open access

If you haven't been following the 700Mhz auction, you can catch up here. Today, Verizon has sued the FCC for adopting Google's petition for open access rules to the spectrum on auction. Basically, Google was trying to prevent carriers such as Verizon from operating closed and/or restricted networks, which they already do now with their cellular network. Verizon is now suing to ensure that if they do win the spectrum they can setup a closed and restricted network. Even if they lose, by winning this suit Verizon could ensure that Google can't release a free and open network that would cut into Verizon's revenues. It boils down to this, Verizon is an evil corporation and their actions are geared towards protecting their revenue stream, not towards the greater consumer good.

Chris
EQO Customer Evangelist

Esteemed EQO founder and Chief Architect Jeff LaPorte introduced me to the 700MHz debate earlier this year and I've been following it with interest ever since. To get caught up on the issues, check out this great post from Om Malik: 700MHz Explained in 10 Steps. What interested me was the knowledge that some of my favorite channels in the 52-59 range like The Score, The Food Network (Iron Chef!), and Comedy Central would be booted off the spectrum come 2009. Thank goodness for my new digital box, crisis averted...

Today I came across a flurry of notable news on the subject:

1. Engadget Mobile reports AT&T endorses open access

2. MobileCrunch reports on Google's open access plans

3. MobileCrunch reports CTIA's response to Google's open access plans

Guess where CTIA gets their money? If you guessed the close minded, innovative-less carriers of America then you guessed right. I am completely biased when it comes to the 700MHz spectrum.  I'm all for open access and anyone who truly supports it.

Chris
EQO Customer Evangelist