Verizon Halts Its Push Against 700Mhz ‘Openness’ Rules

I have to say, I expected Verizon’s dispute with the open, Google-proposed terms for the 700MHz auction (scheduled to occur in January) to stretch well into the red, but apparently the telco has already ceased its moaning and groaning. Ars Technica’s Eric Bangeman reports that “earlier this week, (Verizon) filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss the case filed last month with the Court of Appeals….”

Of course, Verizon hasn’t completely lost its money-grubbing head and suddenly gone straight and proper on the “open” front. The company cited the Court’s unwillingness to allow for an “expedited review” of its case against the rules affixed to the spectrum auction as the basis for its abandonment of the suit process. An unexpedited review would likely run well through January 24 2008, the day when the new proprietor(s) of the 700MHz will be decided. (The auction was pushed back eight days; it was previously scheduled for the 16th.)

What does Verizon’s reversal mean? Well, if no further hiccups arise between now and late January, all will go as planned, and US consumers will finally bear witness to a portion of the wireless arena uninhibited by locks, software or hardware related. And yes, that’s something that those in the states definitely would like to see.

The reason we at Profy shine light on the very noisy lead-up to this particular spectrum auction is that for a long while, the development of the wireless market in the US has been hindered. And because a portion of the 700MHz (a 22MHz window dubbed “C band”) will be guaranteed open, one can expect to find in the foreseeable future some very interesting developments – particular those in the realm of mobile Web access - released to millions throughout the country that can take full advantage of technologies being introduced today through whole range of devices.

For years wireless carriers in the US have more or less operated with the mindset that restrictions ensure stability – and astounding profitability. It has been in the best interest of those service providers to tell what consumers can do with their devices, rather than deliver what the consumers really want. Which is, simply put, all the things much more advanced markets are enjoying at present.

The rules being now placed on the 700MHz auction by the FCC allows for consumers to achieve that ideal – or as close to it as is technically feasible, anyway.

In all, Verizon’s reversal is a lovely thing. Here’s to hoping that roadblock was the last en route to a more consumer-friendly future.