Open Networks

The following article is a positive and well-deserved profile of Tim Wu -- quoting Chris Sacca of Google -- that plays off the impact of his New America paper on wireless net neutrality. Google CEO Eric Schmidt is on New America's Leadership Council.

"Tim Wu, Freedom Fighter: His wireless-phone manifesto was the inspiration for Google's new mobile-software strategy, which includes the Open Handset Alliance." 

On Nov. 5, Google (GOOG) unveiled what many in the phone business had long awaited. CEO… more

In this report, I analyze the competitive effects of recent proposals to reserve a small portion of the upcoming 700 MHz band auction for wholesale, open-access use.[i] Using this license, a wholesale open-access licensee would build out the wireless network, own and operate the cell sites, towers, and radio equipment, and provide transport to the Internet backbone.

In the coming weeks, the FCC will set the bidding and service rules for the auction of the 700MHz spectrum freed up by the DTV transition—“beachfront” airwaves ideal for the provision of high-speed wireless broadband services. This last big sale of prime spectrum is expected to raise $10 to $20 billion in federal revenue.

Net neutrality advocates are pressing the FCC to adopt "openness" principles in rules for the 700 MHz auction, in addition to urging that the agency require auction winners to adopt net neutrality principles. Net neutrality supporters sent the FCC nearly 250,000 letters on open access Mon., following up previous filings urging buildout requirements and limits on incumbents' participation in the auction. The campaign urges the FCC to require all licensees to carry Internet and voice traffic without degradation and allow… more

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum auctions can seem arcane and technical, but in fact, auctions for exclusive licenses to use the public airwaves determine the future of American telecommunications. FCC auctions shape the competitive structure of markets and, ultimately, who controls entire industries—from broadcasting, to telephony, to wireless broadband services—that are increasingly central to U.S. productivity growth, consumer welfare, and global competitiveness.

In the coming weeks, the FCC will set the bidding and service rules for the auction of the 700MHz channels being freed up by the DTV transition—“beachfront” airwaves ideal for the provision of high-speed wireless broadband services. This last big sale of prime spectrum is expected to raise $10 to $20 billion in federal revenue. But far more important to the economy and to consumers is whether this auction promotes broadband deployment and price competition in every part of the… more

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

In the matter of Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762, and 777-792 MHz Bands, WT Docket No. 06-150

Implementing a Nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 06-229 700 MHz Band, PS Docket No. 06-229

Implementation of the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act and Modernization of the Commission’s Competitive Bidding Rules and Procedures, WT Docket No. 05-211

Development of Operational, Technical, and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting… more

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

In the Matter of Skype Communications S.A.R.L.

Petition to Confirm a Consumer’s Right to Use Internet Communications Software and Attach Devices To Wireless Networks, RM-11361

COMMENTS OF THE AD HOC PUBLIC INTEREST SPECTRUM COALITION

EDUCAUSE Free Press Media Access Project New America Foundation Public Knowledge U.S. Public Interest Research Group

SUMMARY

Wireless carriers are hampering innovation and raising costs by… more

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

In the matter of

Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762, and 777-792 MHZ Bands, WT Docket No. 06-150

Implementing a Nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 700 MHZ Band, PS Docket No. 06-229

Implementation of the Commercial SpectrumEnhancement Act and Modernization of theCommission’s Competitive Bidding Rules and Procedures , WT Docket No. 05-211

Development of Operational, Technical, and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal,… more

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

In the matter of

Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762, and 777-792 MHZ Bands, WT Docket No. 06-150

Implementing a Nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 700 MHZ Band, PS Docket No. 06-229

Implementation of the Commercial SpectrumEnhancement Act and Modernization of theCommission’s Competitive Bidding Rules and Procedures , WT Docket No. 05-211

Development of Operational, Technical, and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal,… more