President Barack Obama's pick to chair the Federal Communications Commission said that if confirmed by the Senate, he will ask the agency to investigate exclusive handset deals.

In so doing, FCC nominee Julius Genachowski joins Acting Chair Michael Copps, who last week called on the agency to "open a proceeding to closely examine wireless handset exclusivity arrangements."

"The Commission as the expert agency should determine whether some of these arrangements adversely restrict consumer choice or harm the development of innovative devices," Copps said. "It should take appropriate action if it finds harm."
Genachowski called for an investigation as well, via a written response to questions from the Senate Commerce Committee, which voted on June 19 to approve his nomination.

In the response, Genachowski said that as chair,

"These exclusive deals back consumers into a corner—forcing them to choose phone or service. The path to innovation is paved by openness—and unlocking devices is a good start."