NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
April 21, 2010 Matthew Nodine, 202-418-1646
Matthew.Nodine@fcc.gov
FCC TAKES STEPS TO PROMOTE NATIONWIDE MOBILE CONNECTIVITY
Issues Order to Enhance Mobile Voice Service and Opens New Phase into Data-Roaming 
Examination
Washington, D.C.: The Federal Communications Commission took an important step today 
toward promoting nationwide mobile connectivity for consumers and encouraging continued mobile 
innovation, investment, and deployment. The Commission’s Order on Reconsideration enhances mobile 
voice service through roaming agreements that provide consumers with access to other carriers’ networks. 
In a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission seeks input on whether to extend 
roaming obligations to data services, such as mobile broadband and Internet access services.
The Order on Reconsideration expands the availability of mobile voice services by eliminating a 
home roaming exclusion that the Commission found in many circumstances discouraged, rather than 
encouraged, facilities-based competition.  By eliminating the exclusion, the Order encourages carriers of 
all sizes to reach commercially reasonable voice roaming agreements, and promotes competition, fosters 
innovation and empowers consumers, while creating a fair process for the Commission to handle disputes 
that may arise in an expedited and equitable manner.  The Order on Reconsideration also affirms that 
carriers must provide push-to-talk roaming upon reasonable request.  The Commission will address any 
disputes on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the totality of the circumstances presented to 
determine whether requiring a roaming agreement would best further the public interest goals.  
In the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission opens a new phase in its 
examination of data roaming, seeking comment on whether to extend roaming obligations to data services 
such as mobile broadband and Internet access services.  A more detailed and updated record will assist the 
Commission in developing policies for broadband data roaming that can encourage carriers to build out 
new networks and better ensure that consumers have access to mobile data networks anywhere in the 
United States.  
Action by the Commission April 21, 2010, by Order on Reconsideration and Second Further 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 10-59).  By the Commission: Chairman Genachowski and 
Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn, and Baker issuing separate statements. WT Docket No. 05-
265.  
For further information, contact Nese Guendelsberger (202-418-0634; 
nese.guendelsberger@fcc.gov); Peter Trachtenberg (202-418-7369; peter.trachtenberg@fcc.gov) or 
Christina Clearwater (202-418-1893; christina.clearwater@fcc.gov).  
-FCC-