Deregulation: The Next Generation

Reading this Walter Mossberg plea for cellphone deregulation in today's Journal, one cannot help thinking this is a natural issue for a Democratic or Republican politician who wants to seem market friendly while also acting in the best interests of consumers. By expanding consumer choice - that is, eradicating the barriers between cellphone hardware and cellphone networks - one would also increase competition, foster innovation, and lower prices. What's not to like? Here's Mossberg:

Let me be clear: Any company that spends billions to build and maintain a wireless network deserves to be paid for its use, and deserves to make a profit and a return for its shareholders. Not only that, but companies like Verizon Wireless or AT&T Inc. should be free to build or sell phones or software or services.

But, in my view, they shouldn't be allowed to pick and choose what phones run on their networks, and what software and services run on those phones. We need a wireless mobile device ecosystem that mirrors the PC/Internet ecosystem, one where the consumers' purchase of network capacity is separate from their purchase of the hardware and software they use on that network. It will take government action, or some disruptive technology or business innovation, to get us there.

Everyone says they want to bring bipartisanship back to Washington. Cellphone deregulation seems like a good place to start.