">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
U.S. Justice Dept eyeing telecom probe: report
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Search
Search:
U.S. Justice Dept eyeing telecom probe: report
Reuters - Tuesday, July 7
NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice Department has begun looking at big telecom companies such as AT&T Inc <T.N> and Verizon Communications <VZ.N> to try to determine if they have abused their market power, the Wall Street Journal reported in its online edition on Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
The journal, which cited people familiar with the matter, said the Antitrust Division's review was in its very early stages and was not yet a formal probe of any specific company.
The report said that a probe could concern exclusive agreements between phone companies and handset makers or whether phone operators are "unduly restricting" services third parties companies can offer on their network.
The Department of Justice declined comment and the country's biggest operators, AT&T and Verizon, said they had not been given notice of any formal probe.
Lawmakers have recently raised questions about whether large wireless carriers were hurting smaller rivals by entering into exclusive agreements with the makers of popular phones. Deals like AT&T's pact with Apple Inc <AAPL.O> for exclusive rights to U.S. iPhone sales are at the center of some lawmaker concerns.
AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said he was not aware of any formal probe by the Department of Justice but declined comment on any informal proceedings. Siegel defended the practice of exclusive agreements between carriers and phone makers, saying they spurred competition and development of new features.
Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said that his company, which is the biggest U.S. mobile service, had no notice from the Justice Department about any probe into handset exclusivity. Verizon Wireless is a venture of Verizon Communications <VZ.N> and Vodafone Group Plc <VOD.L>.
The Justice Department's top antitrust official Christine Varney had said in May that the DoJ would be "aggressively pursuing" companies that abuse their power to crush competition.
Consumer groups said on Monday that they were hopeful that Varney's comment and the latest report were positive signs the government was looking at their concerns.
"There are definitely some things in the marketplace that we believe as consumer advocates should trigger scrutiny from the anti-trust authorities," said Ben Scott, policy director for consumer advocacy group Free Press referring to handset deals and the blocking of certain applications from phones.
It has been a long standing practice for carriers to forge exclusive deals with phone makers giving them a head start in luring customers with a particularly attractive handset.
The iPhone has made this trend a bone of contention among consumers because of the devices' widespread popularity and the fact that AT&T has been the sole U.S. provider selling it since 2007. Exclusivity deals often end after about a year.
However, network operators argue that consumers could end up losing out if they were unable to forge exclusive agreements with phone makers. Such deals give carriers incentives to shoulder a hefty part of the price of a cellphone in exchange for getting consumers to sign on to a longer term contract.
John Taylor, a spokesman for Sprint Nextel <S.N>, the No. 3 U.S. mobile service which has an exclusive agreement to sell Palm Inc's <PALM.O> high-profile Pre phone, declined comment on the reported probe.
But he also defended exclusive handset agreements as pro-competitive. "We think that without these exclusivity arrangements carriers are less likely to risk the investment necessary to develop and promote devices like these," he said.
The new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski, plans to review the deals.
According to a copy of the written responses to questions from Senator John Kerry obtained by Reuters in mid-June, Genachowski said he would "promote competition and consumer choice." Senator Kerry encouraged the idea of a review.
"This is the kind of healthy oversight we want to see." Kerry said in an emailed statement. "As the future of communication continues to move out of the ground and into the airwaves it is important that we ensure the wireless market remains competitive and consumers are protected."
Other lawmakers have also raised questions about the pricing of text messages.
"The federal government seems to be taking these complaints seriously and looking for a way to give consumers relief," said Joel Kelsey policy analyst for Consumers Union advocacy group.
(Reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington and Sinead Carew in
New York; Editing by Tim Dobbyn, Bernard Orr)
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Technology
Dell launches digital forensics service for policeReuters - Tuesday, July 7
Microsoft sounds computer security alarmAFP - Tuesday, July 7
Chinese go online to vent ire at Xinjiang unrestReuters - Tuesday, July 7
Hondurans mount 'tele-coup' to counter one-sided mediaAFP - Tuesday, July 7
Jackson memorial will stream at Facebook-MySpaceAFP - Tuesday, July 7
Most Popular – Technology
Viewed
Jackson mother relieved of estate on funeral eve
The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality
Harry Potter's nemesis revels in hard-edged new film
Schwarzenegger declares emergency in California
US manned space flight in doubt 40 years after moon walk
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 7 July 2009 Iraq bans organized visits to Saddam's grave
World's oldest surviving Bible published online
EMC raises offer for Data Domain
BASF announces 3,700 job cuts, mainly at Ciba unit
Seven NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
GM clears hurdle as bankruptcy plan approved
Mediaite.com, media-watching website, goes online
World's oldest surviving Bible published online
Son tries to sell sexy photos of mum on Internet after row
Iraq insurgents proud to be on U.S. terror list
| International
|
Michael Jackson Private Funeral Planned Before Memorial Service
Turkish alcohol sector attacks new ad restrictions
Poor nations need $1 bln to combat swine flu: UN
New York Congressman Peter King Says Michael Jackson Was A "Lowlife" And "Pervert"
Vodafone Qatar to start operations
Jackson mother removed from estate on funeral eve
Jennifer Hudson To Perform At Michael Jackson's Memorial Service
Nokia denies plans phone running Google's Android
Khamenei warns West not to interfere in Iran
Poor nations need $1 bn to conbat swine flu: UN
Israel's Barak sees progress in U.S. envoy talks
| International
|
Beatles And Rolling Stones' Former Manager Allen Klein Dies From Alzheimer's
Four NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Europeans seek G8 pledge to halve greenhouse gas
| International
|
Britain warns Iran over embassy staff detentions
Britain, France sign accord on immigration controls
| International
|
Nokia denies plans phone running Google's Android
Sarkozy, Brown push against tax havens
UN chief: Use extreme care handling China protests
Malaysia to work with US on suspected NKorea funds
4 US soldier killed in Afghanistan
AP NewsAlert
GOP senator: Will race infect Sotomayor rulings?
Indonesia hopes to lift ban on maids for Malaysia
U.S. Justice Department eyeing telecom probe: report
| Technology
|
Suicide attack kills 2, wounds 14 near NATO base
Thailand's FM reports to police over airport siege
AdWatch: Some ads in the TV fight on health care
US admiral denounces N.Korean missile launches
About 100 firefighters battle blaze at Wis. plant
Ubisoft to open Toronto studio
| Technology
|
AdWatch: TV ad war begins over health overhaul
Floods leave 500,000 homeless in India
Bankruptcy judge OKs GM sale plan, appeal looms
Mass. mom pleads not guilty to denying son meds
Washington criticises Fiji election delay
Vt. man pleads not guilty to charge he killed son
NEC looks to resume overseas cellphone sales
| Technology
|
Federal agency probes Disney World monorail death
Letter carriers union has new president
India sees bigger budget deficit, worrying markets
S.Korea to spend $85 bln on green industries
US summer camps take kids into grown-up world
Christian Lacroix: hanging on by a thread
Indonesian president's rivals complain over poll list
Debbie Rowe confirmed to attend Jackson memorial
Palestinian youngsters make music in former prison
Romance rocks wizard world in new Potter movie
| Entertainment
|
Roskilde festival raises $373,000 for Malawi
Running of the bulls festival starts in Spain
Virginia Mother Pleads Guilty In Daughter's Death
Russian writer Aksyonov dies aged 76: reports
| Entertainment
|
Knife Blades Spur Recalls On Two Liquid Protein Supplements
End of the Line film rings alarm on fish supply
| Entertainment
|
Four American Soldiers Reported Dead In Afghan Bomb Blast As Russia Allows U.S. Weapons Into Airspace
Petaluma Man Wounded By Shrapnel After Bomb Explodes In Porta-Potty
Update: Obama, Russian President Medvedev Agree To New Nuclear Limits
Oldest Bible made whole again online
China tightens Web screws after Xinjiang riot
Marines holding Afghan hotspots nearly a week on
China police use tear gas to disperse Xinjiang protests
| International
|
Hondurans mount 'tele-coup' to counter one-sided media
Israeli foreign minister: I'm not being sidelined
US finalizes stem cell research guidelines
Ousted Honduran leader to meet with Clinton
| International
|
Iraq insurgents proud to be on U.S. terror list
Jackson mother relieved of estate on funeral eve
Obama praises Putin at first meeting
| International
|
Jackson memorial will stream at Facebook-MySpace
U.S. Justice Dept eyeing telecom probe: report
Three foreign soldiers killed in Afghan chopper crash
| International
|
Israeli archaeologists discover ancient quarry
Blasts in southern Philippines kill 2, dozens wounded
| International
|
Vote leaves Mexico reforms in opposition's hands
| International
|
Khamenei warns West, Paris says French woman arrested
Late checks on Indonesia poll lists ahead of vote
| International
|
LG Elec says to invest $100 mln in Mexico
Hamas cartoon mocks captured Israeli soldier
U.N. council condemns N.Korea missile launch
| International
|
Ubisoft to open Toronto studio
Iran's opposition leader makes public appearance
Israel's Barak sees progress in U.S. envoy talks
| International
|
UN rights mission on Gaza hears of Israeli fear, trauma
Ubisoft opening videogame studio in Toronto
Born in the West, longing to be back in the GDR
| International
|
Seven NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
US Justice Dept probing telecom companies: WSJ
UN official seeks G-8 cash for climate change fund
Obama wins Russian support on Afghanistan
US military releases Afghan news over Facebook
Netscape co-founder launches venture capital fund
US lawmaker blasts 'child molester' Jackson
LG Elec says to invest $100 mln in Mexico
Myanmar junta stage-manages visit by UN chief
McNamara remembered as brilliant, troubled patriot
7 US troops killed in Afghanistan
Japan's emperor, empress get royal welcome in Canada
Sony to enter netbook PC market with new Vaio
| Technology
|
AP NewsAlert
China says over 1,400 arrested for Xinjiang riots
Justice Deptartment eyeing telecom probe: report
| Technology
|
Slain SC serial killing suspect had long rap sheet
List of new US military guidelines in Afghanistan
Russia, US agree nuclear arms cuts in Obama visit
Palin's lawyer: no legal troubles driving her out
Dell launches digital forensics service for police
| Technology
|
Jury finds 5 guilty in Nev. prison gang case
US Vietnam war architect Robert McNamara dies
LG Elec says to invest $100 mln in Mexico
| Technology
|
Recall: Publix Brand protein powders
Grenade attack wounds 8 in Indian Kashmir
Chinese go online to vent ire at Xinjiang unrest
| Technology
|
Blaze at Wis. meatpacking plant causes evacuation
U.N. Council to meet Monday on N.Korea
WTC developer threatens arbitration at ground zero
Final report released in Snowbird crash
A look at Palin's postings on Twitter
Buddhism thrives as China relaxes religious policy
Jackson memorial performers announced as LA braces
Lebanon set for bumper tourist season
Huge crowd seen for star-packed Michael Jackson memorial
| Entertainment
|
Bollywood stars try their hand behind the camera
Romance rocks wizard world in new Potter movie
Romance rocks wizard world in new Potter movie
| Entertainment
|
IOC facing pressure in Olympic bids
After 39 years, a final countdown for Casey Kasem
China's CNPC bids for 75 pct stake in Spain's YPF
Plan floated to target individual carbon emitters
Taiwan dlr up on exporters, stocks; gains limited
Kournikova trades tennis racket for diamond ring
Hangover star Galifianakis considers next move
| Entertainment
|
AP Source: Tribune, Ricketts reach Cubs sale deal
S.Korea bond traders see no rate change on Thur
Jay Leno to roll out in style on new show
| Entertainment
|
Korea Hot Stocks
Survey: New Zealand recession may end late 2009
South Korean bonds steady; BOK eyed
Seoul shares rise on sustained earnings hopes
Italy, China sign 1 bln euros in trade accords
NZ business confidence rises in Q2
US-China talks planned on North Korea arms deals
Iran opposition calls for release of detainees
Internet cut in Urumqi to contain violence: media
US missile strike targets Pakistan militants
Miniskirts, cleavage upset male SKoreans: survey
Dell launches digital forensics service for police
Iraq's rebuff of US has element of posturing
U.S. drone attacks militants in Pakistan; 14 dead
| International
|
Microsoft sounds computer security alarm
Chinese go online to vent ire at Xinjiang unrest
Iran opposition urges release of jailed protesters
| International
|
Kyrgyzstan approves new U.S. air base agreement
| International
|
U want a job? Txt us, sez mobile phone co
| Technology
|
Hong Kong family feared slain, buried: police
Palin Gives Post-Resignation Announcement Interviews; Mum About 2012 White House Bid
Curfew declared in restive Chinese region
In First Meeting, Obama and Putin Call For Stronger Relations
Telefonica wins exclusive European Palm Pre deals
| Technology
|
US strike kills 16 rebels in Pakistan: officials
Biden Swears In Al Franken As Newest Senate Democrat Tuesday
Han Chinese vow revenge after deadly riots: AFP
Jackson fans prepare for 'King of Pop' final curtain
Ethnic Clashes In China Continue As White House Calls For Restraint
Anwar trial, Malaysia opposition plan rally
Vietnam arrests 2 men for planning 'regime change'
Four injured on first bull run of Spanish festival
Seoul welcomes UN condemnation of NKorean missiles
Health Departments Get Mixed Results For Offering Flu Information
The Nation's weather
Myanmar earns $292 million from jade sales
US wants 'peaceful and prosperous' Russia: Obama
South Carolina Republican Party Censures Gov. Sanford
Thailand reports 2 more swine flu-related deaths
Need for federal insurance czar is questioned
Six dead, 40 wounded in Philippine bombing: police
Publicist Claims Radical Nation of Islam Infliltrated Michael Jackson's Life
Paperless health care? One hospital's long journey
Katherine Jackson Removed As Executor Of Son Michael Jackson's Estate
New inspection rules help Western cherry exporters
Los Angeles braces for Michael Jackson's final act
Nebraska Dad Who Left 9 Kids To State Care Now Expecting 2 New Babies
President Obama Addresses New Economic School In Moscow; Calls For Strong Russia, Shared Progress
Aaron Kwok: New role boosts acting credentials
World leaders gather in Italy for key G8
Pottermania returns with London world premiere
| Entertainment
|
China Development books $26 mln profit in property deal
Taiwan dlr flat as fund outflows offset exporters
IMF upgrades S.Korea economy forecasts
Jackson fans prepare for 'King of Pop' final curtain
China's 2Q growth may top 7.5 pct, researcher says
Millionaire lifestyles inspire young Ethiopians
SKorean and Japanese firms jointly study gas deals
Aaron Kwok: New role boosts acting credentials
Tourists lift British inmates' spirits at Thai prison
Indian media offers cautious budget reaction
Tiger set for British Open preparations
IMF upgrades S.Korea economy forecast
Chinese oil firms may bid for Iraqi oil fields
Jay Leno to roll out in style on new show
BASF, Sinopec to invest 1.4 bln dlrs in plant
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights