QUICK 700 MHZ AUCTION COULD GIVE BIG CARRIERS BIG ADVANTAGE, ADELSTEIN SAYS

摘要

A 700 MHz auction held sooner rather than later would help large carriers over smaller, rural companies, FCC Comr. Jonathan Adelstein warned Tues. after a presentation to the Freedom to Connect conference. Sources told us they expect rules for the auction to be released in April, and the auction to be held in the fall. Adelstein said he favors an early auction, but he hasn抰 decided how much time should be allowed between the release of rules and the auction. He said he抯 concerned about small companies?ability to line up financing. Adelstein noted that some small carriers want 6 months or more between the release of rules and the auction抯 start. Chmn. Kevin Martin has said the auction could start as early as Aug. Comr. Robert McDowell last week urged that the auction begin in Sept. nnAdelstein also said he hasn抰 decided whether Carterfone rules should be applied to wireless, a debate that comes as the FCC considers reclassifying wireless broadband as an information service. The FCC抯 landmark 1968 decision said subscribers should be able to attach a Carterfone, a 2-way mobile radio system, or other devices to the public phone network, provided they don抰 have the capacity to damage the network. Adelstein told reporters he has reached no conclusions: 揑抦 still thinking that through.?The Commission must weigh the 揷ompetitiveness?of the wireless industry vs. customers?搇ove of flexibility,?he said. Adelstein抯 comments were similar to those by Martin, who said last month the FCC must strike an 揳ppropriate balance?between 搃nnovation?by equipment makers and carrier 搃nvestment?in their networks.