Frontline accuses Verizon Wireless of illegal lobbying

Frontline Wireless, a likely bidder in the upcoming 700 MHz auction, is urging the Federal Communications Commission to sanction Verizon Wireless and possibly bar the operator from bidding in the auction. Frontline accuses Verizon of attempting to undermine rules keeping it from covertly lobbying the FCC to change the auction rules in the 700 MHz auction while at the same time challenging the rules in court.

Verizon "wants to have it all," Frontline's lawyers wrote in a late Thursday filing with the FCC. "Verizon's tactic of making up procedures to suit its own needs should be firmly rejected."

The move comes after a revelation that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin reportedly is pushing for revisions to the open-access stipulations before the FCC itself completes a review of various regulatory challenges. Martin reportedly is attempting to use a declaratory ruling to modify the open-access rules in a way that addresses Verizon Wireless' concerns.

For more about Frontline's claim:
- check out this report from IDG News Service

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