This is VERY important! Roaming, as an integral component of Cellular Wireless communications has become (as intended by the FCC) a right. Its importance has been significantly elevated in the communications environment of CONVERGENCE - Multi-Mode Devices, Multi-Platform Networks and Multi-Gateway Software; where we expect to be able to use 'data' no mater where we are as long as there is service' for out wireless device.
This data, used for both Personal and Work Related convenience, Entertainment, Sharing of Music - Pictures and Files along with Multi-Participant Collaberation, is important to us all and we rely on it daily.
This re-examination of Roaming (rights, requiremnts, rules and more) by the FCC points out the Commissions view that Roaming and Manual Roaming is important to subscribers and that Data, as a common carrier product should be included - i.e. subscribers should be able to use their same services (presumably if network supported) as a Roamer that they use at Home.
The 'proposed' Roaming Rules would also allow a subscriber's device to use a Wi-Fi connection to a public IP network while Roaming without having to stay on, or be routed to their own Carrier's controlled IP network. i.e. they could locate and use 'Hot Spots' for Wi-Fi as they are Roaming, even when they are FREE.