UK considers forcing phone carriers to allow roaming between networks
Despite carriers pushing back on the idea, a plan to force operators into allowing cross-network roaming is reportedly in the works. Sources for The Telegraph claim that the government may soon put an end to cellular black holes. Culture Secretary Sajid Javid is apparently exploring legislation that would require roaming between British carriers. O2 might have to let you use your EE phone on its towers if it’s the only option, for instance.
Whether or not roaming becomes the law depends on cooperation from the telcos, to some extent. It’s likely the government will attempt to work with the major players in the industry to find a plan everyone is happy with, but a Whitehall source says “if these companies do not change, we might force them to change.” You’ll likely be waiting a while either way, but it looks like the days of losing signal in otherwise connected areas may be numbered.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile
Source: The Telegraph
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