FCC approves open-access rules for upcoming 700Mhz wireless spectrum auction

They’ve done it! The FCC has passed a proposal, pushed by FCC Chairman Keven Martin, that lays down the ground rules for the upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction. The ruling would require that the winner, or winners, of the auction provide roughly one-third of the spectrum for access by any phone and any software. Said the Chairman,”I am committed to ensuring that the fruits of wireless innovation swiftly pass into the hands of consumers.”

Unfortunately, the proposals set forth by Google were not passed. Google had previously pledged to bid for the spectrum if the FCC passed rules to require licensees to sell network access at wholesale rates.  So, it looks like Google might stay out of the ring on this one.

The Commission also passed a rule that would require a part of the spectrum to be set aside a small slice of the 700Mhz band for public safety use. The rule would give first responders the communications network they need for fast and organized response to disasters.

And, it looks like Nokia is joining Verizon Wireless in support of the FCC’s new open-access rules. Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said “Nokia believes that the Commission’s rules are an important step towards meeting consumer demand and driving further innovation as mobility and the Internet converge. We commend the FCC and Chairman Martin for taking the initiative to promote even greater competition and innovation in the U.S. wireless industry”

[Via: Yahoo]