700MHz open access skullduggery at the FCC

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is aggressively pushing for prompt revisions to the 700 MHz open-access rule—even before the agency completes a review of the various regulatory challenges to the full 700 MHz decision, according to industry sources who suggest the behind-the-scenes activity is tied to Verizon Wireless’ lobbying.

Key industry players are worried Martin wants to water down the open-access conditions outside of the normal public-comment process. (from RCRwirelessnews)

This is not good news for the consumer or for American business. Consider this. Every mobile and fixed communication device has essentially become an internet appliance and the only reason they do not function like one is because they have been crippled by the US telecommunication monopoly. Imposing more limited access on the 700 MHz D block is a roadblock to innovation that only protects the interests of Verizon, AT&T and a few more like them. The importance of keeping at least one small piece of wireless spectrum as open as possible is as important as the right free speech in the new millennium.