Public interest groups join call for open wireless service

PUBLIC INTEREST GROUPS JOIN FOR OPEN WIRELESS SERVICE
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Kevin Bogardus]
Free Press is using a Federal Communication Commission spectrum auction initiated last week to push for broader changes to the FCC’s policy on wireless use. As part of its sale of the 700 MHz spectrum, considered beachfront property on the radio band, the FCC placed specific conditions for use on the section of the spectrum known as the C Block. Companies that buy up portions of that block must open up their networks so that consumers can use any wireless device or software they may want. Under these rules, customers who purchased a Samsung cell phone, for example, could use a variety of wireless networks. wants the FCC’s spectrum auction rules to expand beyond just the C Block to the entire cell phone world. The watchdog group argues that cell phone providers have too closely controlled how their customers access the Internet. “It is pure consumer choice,” said Ben Scott, Free Press’s policy director. “On one hand, we should be able to choose any device that you want. On the other hand, we should be able to choose any network that you want.”
http://thehill.com/the-executive/public-interest-groups-join-call-for-op...

* Tech companies trying open spectrum too much
Scott Cleland of The Precursor Group believes things like net neutrality and open access are suppressing bids and limiting the use for wireless spectrum.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/01/30/Critic-says-tech-companies-try...