The FCC held its first meeting with all hands on deck under the Obama administration this week and among the key topics on the agenda is talk of an inquiry into the wireless industry. The FCC is launching an inquiry into the practice of exclusive deals between handset makers and carriers.

One of the highest profile exclusives in the industry is AT&T and the iPhone. The deals are being opposed vehemently by rural carriers who say they can’t compete with the big carriers. The commissioners also voted to issue a separate inquiry to find out how the FCC can spur competition.

I say stop exclusive deals if you want to spur competition. I hate the quality of the AT&T network in my area and the only reason I am with them is so I can keep my iPhone. If I could get the iPhone on Verizon, I would leave in a second. I hope the FCC makes some changes here.

[via Reuters]