While Verizon still opposes it....
Contrary to reports that they might
sue, AT&T says they
support Kevin Martin's
leaked plan to attach Carterfone (unlocked devices, unhindered content access) restrictions upon 700Mhz spectrum. Note the plan hasn't been released yet, but we'll assume AT&T has been briefed in full by Martin that his plan contains adequate loopholes for his homies; aka they have nothing to worry about.
Consumer advocates believe the spectrum, set to be auctioned off next January, is the last great chance for broadband competition and shouldn't see the kind of restrictions (crippled phones, capped use, software/service restrictions) all too common with incumbent wireless broadband service.
Verizon, meanwhile, recently tried to convince Congress that giving consumers more choice actually meant
giving them less, which was a nice trick. The company still opposes Martin's plan, Carterfone principles, and any restrictions on spectrum auction, while painting a rosy picture of the industry over at their
policy blog:
"It is hard to believe that there is any question about the industry’s innovative nature or the benefits it has generated for consumers and our economy but some of those testifying – such as Columbia University’s Tim Wu – did try to make a case that the industry is not as innovative nor as competitive as it should be."
,
indeed. Verizon is complaining about
this recent testimony before Congress by Columbia professor Tim Wu, which highlighted the restrictive nature of current incumbent wireless networks.
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