FCC Auction Rules Criticized By Both Sides Of Open Access Debate

The rules released by the FCC for the upcoming spectrum auction haven’t pleased anyone, with both sides complaining about the decision. A Verizon executive has said the requirements for open access would be a form of internet regulation and would “undercut the carriers’ ability to properly manage their networks” reports Reuters — although the rules would only apply to the spectrum being offered so that argument is a bit misleading. RCR News has a good report on both unhappy sides…the open access crowd think the rules don’t go far enough: “Because the plan does not contain a no-retail component, it will be relatively simple for the large wireless carriers to evade the spirit, if not the letter, of open-access rules by pricing their retail services in a way that makes true open access economically unviable. Moreover, regional licenses are basically useless for a new entrant provider trying to establish a nationwide footprint to compete with the incumbents,” said Amol Sarva, head of the Wireless Founders Coalition for Innovation.”

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