The US Federal Communications Commission has made it mandatory for operators to offer data roaming. Under the decision, mobile data service providers will be required to offer data roaming arrangements to other such providers on "commercially reasonable terms and conditions, subject to certain limitations", the FCC said. The required wholesale offer should increase the number of retail services available, providing consumers with better coverage and more competitive prices, according to the regulator. The decision is in line with the National Broadband Plan and its aim to improve services in rural areas. To resolve any data roaming disputes, operators can request a FCC ruling on their roaming agreements. Verizon came out against the new rule, calling it a "new level of unwarranted government intervention". The operator said the rule discourages network investment, as smaller operators would be able to rely on roaming agreements rather than building out their own networks. Verizon also questioned the FCC's authority to issue the rule. The FCC said it was acting under its authority in Title III of the Communications Act, which provides the commission with authority to manage spectrum and establish and modify licence and spectrum usage conditions in the public interest.
