STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
RE: Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service 
Providers, WT Docket No. 05-265; Automatic and Manual Roaming Obligations 
Pertaining to Commercial Mobile Radio Services, WT Docket No. 00-193, Report 
and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 07-143
I support today’s narrowly-tailored action to codify wireless carrier obligations 
regarding automatic roaming.  Today we are acting consistently with the Commission’s 
general policy to allow competitive market forces, rather than regulations, to foster the 
development of wireless services, subject to the protections of Sections 201 and 202 of 
the Communications Act. For example, we are refraining from: imposing negotiation
mandates; setting rates; creating a new class of wireless carriers; and initiating an 
investigation of roaming practices.  Our light regulatory approach will benefit wireless 
consumers because we are allowing the industry to fulfill consumer expectations of 
anytime, anywhere communications through seamless roaming arrangements.      
Given that the market for non-interconnected services provided over advanced 
broadband networks is still developing, it is appropriate that we are seeking additional 
comment on the implications of extending the automatic roaming requirement to these 
services.  Although it is possible that unrestricted data roaming obligations may benefit 
consumers by providing a wider availability for the data features they increasingly rely
upon, it is equally important that the Commission not inhibit innovation and investment 
by distorting incentives to differentiate products.  I recognize and appreciate the 
complicated legal and economic factors involved, and I look forward to hearing from
interested stakeholders on this aspect of the market.  In the meantime, I strongly urge the 
private sector to work together to forge solutions for the benefit of all wireless 
consumers.
Thank you to the staff of the Wireless Bureau, my colleagues, and especially 
Chairman Martin.