FCC to open inquiry into wireless industry

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission is launching an inquiry into how to best encourage innovation and investment in the wireless market.

The five-member commission voted unanimously Thursday to open the examination as it seeks to gather information that will help it set wireless policy in the years ahead.

The agency is also expected to vote Thursday to open an inquiry into the state of competition in the wireless market, as well as a third inquiry into so-called "truth-in-billing" rules. Those require phone companies to clearly identify and describe charges on consumer bills.