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Wireless Carriers Investigated on Allegations of Collusion

Wireless Antitrust
Why carriers fight to keep you from switching

The Justice Department opened an anti-trust investigation into whether AT&T and Verizon colluded to make switching phone carriers harder. Here's what eSIM technology has to do with it — and why it matters for your wallet.

1 A New Reason to Question Your Carrier

As if sneaky, unethical billing practices weren’t enough, you now have another reason to be suspicious of your wireless provider. The Justice Department just opened an anti-trust investigation to determine whether AT&T and Verizon colluded with a wireless-standards organization to make it more difficult for customers to switch to new phone carriers.

2 eSIM Technology at the Heart of It

The issue at the heart of this investigation is eSIM technology. This technology allows users to remotely switch wireless providers without having to get a new SIM card. According to people familiar with the investigation, it is alleged that Verizon and AT&T colluded with G.S.M.A. to lock phones to a specific carrier even if they contained an eSIM card.

Fortunately for consumers, a device maker, identified by the insider as Apple, and another wireless company filed complaints with the Justice Department, triggering a formal investigation.

Not surprisingly, a Verizon spokesperson said this issue was “much ado about nothing,” but G.S.M.A confirmed that it did, in fact, develop an eSIM standard that would allow a carrier to lock a device to a specific network.

3 What the Investigation Means for Consumers

The Justice Department is trying to determine whether Verizon and AT&T tried to hurt competition and consumers. Preserving their supremacy in the mobile industry is always a priority for big carriers like Verizon and AT&T. Making it easy for consumers to switch providers is certainly not compatible with their strategy of total dominance of the industry. But for consumers, the inability to make a change puts them at a serious disadvantage.

4 Hard-Won Flexibility for Consumers

In the last few years, consumers have gained more flexibility with their devices and carriers. But these victories are often hard-won. In 2013, the FCC pressured wireless carriers to let customers take their device off any network once they have paid for it. Not allowing consumers to easily switch their carriers limits their choices and works against the flexibility they have gained in the last few years.

Billshark’s mission is to fight for consumers and we hope that the Justice Department protects their right to have choices. In the meantime, send the Sharks after the big guys and let us take a bite out of your wireless bills!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are AT&T and Verizon being investigated?

The Justice Department opened an anti-trust investigation to determine whether AT&T and Verizon colluded with a wireless-standards organization to make it more difficult for customers to switch to new phone carriers. The probe focuses on whether the carriers tried to hurt competition and consumers.

What is eSIM technology and why does it matter here?

eSIM technology allows users to remotely switch wireless providers without having to get a new SIM card. The investigation alleges that Verizon and AT&T colluded with G.S.M.A. to lock phones to a specific carrier even if they contained an eSIM card, which would make switching harder.

Who triggered the formal investigation?

A device maker, identified by an insider as Apple, and another wireless company filed complaints with the Justice Department. Those complaints triggered the formal anti-trust investigation into the alleged collusion between the carriers and the wireless-standards organization.

Did G.S.M.A. admit to developing the locking standard?

Yes. While a Verizon spokesperson called the issue “much ado about nothing,” G.S.M.A confirmed that it did, in fact, develop an eSIM standard that would allow a carrier to lock a device to a specific network.

What rights have consumers gained over their devices?

In recent years consumers have gained more flexibility with their devices and carriers. In 2013, the FCC pressured wireless carriers to let customers take their device off any network once they have paid for it. Locking phones works against that hard-won flexibility.

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The Justice Department opened an anti-trust investigation into whether AT&T and Verizon colluded to make switching phone carriers harder.

As if sneaky, unethical billing practices weren’t enough, you now have another reason to be suspicious of your wireless provider.

The issue at the heart of this investigation is eSIM technology.

Fortunately for consumers, a device maker, identified by the insider as Apple, and another wireless company filed complaints with the Justice Department, triggering a formal investigation.

Not surprisingly.

The Justice Department is trying to determine whether Verizon and AT&T tried to hurt competition and consumers.

In the last few years, consumers have gained more flexibility with their devices and carriers.

Billshark’s mission is to fight for consumers and we hope that the Justice Department protects their right to have choices.

The Justice Department opened an anti-trust investigation to determine whether AT&T and Verizon colluded with a wireless-standards organization to make it more difficult for customers to switch to new phone carriers.

eSIM technology allows users to remotely switch wireless providers without having to get a new SIM card.

A device maker, identified by an insider as Apple, and another wireless company filed complaints with the Justice Department.

Yes.

In recent years consumers have gained more flexibility with their devices and carriers.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.

Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.

1 A New Reason to Question Your Carrier.

2 eSIM Technology at the Heart of.

3 What the Investigation Means for Consumers.

4 Hard-Won Flexibility for Consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why are AT&T and Verizon being investigated?.

What is eSIM technology and why does it matter here?.

Who triggered the formal investigation?.

Did G.S.M.A.

What rights have consumers gained over their devices?.

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