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Verizon files suit over 700 MHz open access rules
Verizon Wireless filed an appeal against the FCC stating that the FCC exceeded its authority when it established its rules for the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction. Verizon calls the rules "arbitrary, capricious, unsupported by substantial evidence and otherwise contrary to law." Verizon has asked the court to vacate, enjoin or set aside this portion of the auction rules, which require winning bidders on the C Block of spectrum not to block any device or application that does not harm the network.
Google responded to Verizon Wireless' suit with a blog post: "The nation's spectrum airwaves are not the birthright of any one company... It's regrettable that Verizon has decided to use the court system to try to prevent consumers from having any choice of innovative services. Once again, it is American consumers who lose from these tactics."
For more on the suit:
- read the text of the lawsuit here
- read Google's blog reply here
- read this PC World article
Related Article:
Beachfront wireless. Report
Comments
Posted by Quemann | September 17, 2007 - 2:36pm
Filing lawsuits against open access is like suing consumers because consumers do not want 2-year contracts, early termination fees and subsidized phones. Open access will do a lot for the common good. Microsoft is claiming the 700 MHZ spectrum should be unlicensed without auctions, while Google wants a wholesale open access through auctions. FCC opted for 1/3 of the spectrum to be for open access, in efforts to reflect consumer pressures. There will be a sea change in telecom industry when Sprint and Clearwire will have built up WiMAX networks across the USA, which will be a tiliting point for interoperability of mobile devices and wider choices for consumers. At present, US consumers are not guaranteed a handset portability, while number portability is. Consumer pressure will grow up on mobile carriers to change their wish for long-term monopoly.
Posted by Anonymous | September 17, 2007 - 3:38pm
if it is sold, the owner should have the right to keep exclusive access.
otherwise,
1) the govt shouldn't sell it and simply keep it reserved for said use
2) Google should make sure to win the bid and set up this utopian airwaves for consumers.
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