AT&T backs proposed rules for spectrum auctions

AT&T BACKS PROPOSED RULES FOR SPECTRUM AUCTIONS
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Leslie Cauley]
AT&T has endorsed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin's proposed rules for the upcoming 700-megahertz spectrum auctions, which would allow unprecedented choice for wireless consumers. "We think Chairman Martin's plan is a creative compromise that balances the interests of companies and consumers," said Jim Cicconi, AT&T's senior executive vice president of public policy. Martin's proposed rules, which would apply to all national licenses except one reserved for public safety, would require bidders to let consumers use any device they desire, loaded with any software they wish. That is counter to the U.S. wireless industry habit of limiting consumers to devices and applications they sell. AT&T's endorsement is a shot in the arm for Martin, who has come under a torrent of criticism from Google, Yahoo and others. They've been pushing for FCC rules that would go much further in giving consumers choice of devices, software and more. In the past few days, a number of news reports have indicated AT&T was contemplating suing the FCC over Martin's plan.
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20070719/att19.art.htm

* AT&T Changes Course on Auction
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/19/AR200707...