Verizon Sues the FCC to Keep New Spectrum Closed

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is going to auction off chunks of the spectrum for wireless broadband networks, with the condition that whoever wins should keep access open - i.e. the public can choose what devices and software they can use to access those networks. It is hoped that freeing up the 700Mhz band for other players will give alternatives to the current cable/dsl duopoly in the States.

Verizon, ever the beacon of free enterprise (and one party in the duopoly), says that this condition is "arbitrary" and "capricious", and is suing the FCC.

Google, which has earlier announced its intention to join the auction, has responded elegantly:

The nation's spectrum airwaves are not the birthright of any one company. They are a unique and valuable public resource that belong to all Americans. The FCC's auction rules are designed to allow U.S. consumers -- for the first time -- to use their handsets with any network they desire, and download and use the lawful software applications of their choice.

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.

Spectrum allocation and the rules governing them isn't front center of most p0licy discussion. Stations and telcos are cutting up the spectrum pie, and we're not sure that it's being done in a way that serves the public interest the most.