The goal of the order is to give customers access to data networks even if their own carrier doesn't have data coverage in the area. The move will benefit smaller carriers that will be able to offer their customers nationwide data coverage by piggybacking on big carriers' data networks in exchange for paying roaming fees. If carriers find that their competitors are not offering roaming agreements at "reasonable" rates, they will be able to appeal to the FCC for relief.

ANALYSIS:

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said that it was a necessary action because wireless carriers had so far been unwilling to enter into roaming agreements with competitors.

"Evidence supplied by carriers in the market shows that roaming deals simply are not being widely offered on commercially reasonable terms," he said. "On the contrary, the record makes clear that some providers have refused to negotiate 3G or 4G data roaming agreements, have created long delays, or have taken other steps to impede competition."

The order was passed on a 3-2 party-line vote, with the FCC's three Democrats in favor and two Republicans in opposition. Republican commissioners Meredith Baker and Robert McDowell said that while they supported the goal of having more carriers enter into wireless data roaming agreements, they also thought that the commission lacked the authority to enforce such an order.