Editorial: Unlock cellular service

Monday, July 16, 2007 | 7:14 a.m.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is trying to change the cellular phone industry one frequency at a time.

In a laudable proposal making its rounds, Martin is arguing that consumer choice be mandated for a frequency spectrum the government plans to auction off next year. Under this proposal, people could buy any cell phone or wireless device they choose, use it with any available service and download anything they want without having to buy the downloads from their service provider. That would be a 180-degree change from the way service plans work.

American cellular providers are essentially oligarchies. Their phones are "locked," which means a phone or handheld device such as a BlackBerry can be used only with a specific provider.

Martin told USA Today that he is concerned that the current practices "hamper innovation." He said wireless devices that can use Wi-Fi networks have been in use in Europe for some time and are now just being introduced in America.

Martin's plan follows the European regulatory model for wireless communications. In Europe, people buy "unlocked" phones and can use them with various providers. Such a plan would provide an obvious benefit to the American consumer, who currently is tethered to the service linked to a phone or handheld device, such as an iPhone or a BlackBerry. If the service is bad and you want to switch carriers, you have to throw away your investment - for an iPhone that is $500 to $600 - and start over with someone else.

Martin's plan would not affect current cell phone use. The regulation would cover the frequency spectrum up for auction, which is coveted for its power to go through walls and other obstacles. Martin hopes that by setting regulations for such a frequency spectrum the FCC would "send a strong message" for change in the industry.

We support his proposal and hope that the FCC does more than just send a strong message. Consumer choice is important and the FCC should mandate it for all wireless service.