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Sep. 7, 2008

The Federal Communications Commission is seriously considering in allowing the largest telecommunications carriers in the U.S. to report less data about specific consumer complaints.

However, the FCC was quick to point out that it may increase the amount and types of companies that have to report such data before the end of the year.

Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Qwest are the current carriers seeking approval to report less data.

Overall, most of the reporting methods currently in place are redundant, technologically obsolete and not very helpful, the service providers say.

The FCC thinks that those companies could be correct. The FCC’s Automated Reporting Management Information System (ARMIS) began in the early 1980s and was minimally updated in the 1990s, and is viewed by some as antiquated.

Despite any action taken in the near term, telecom companies will probably be required to continue collecting data until December 2008, FCC spokesman Rob Kenny said.

At that time, there will probably be a clearer understanding of the best methods to revamp the reporting system.

For instance, modern technologies now exist for real-time data collection during emergencies, Kenny noted.

Public advocates dispute such claims, arguing that large wireless carriers are merely making some excuses for having to disclose consumer complaints, and that it is their way to minimize bad PR and bad publicity.

It’s also very likely that new kinds of voice service providers such as cable companies and Internet telephony specialists will be required to submit user data. That of course dosen't please everybody.

In the end, the FCC may have to just receive some useful consumer data in the future as it does today, but in a more meaningful way and with more accurate information of those complaints and what they might entail in the future for the wireless industry as a whole.

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    This article was featured on Business 5.0 and on Tech Blog.

Source: The FCC.