Verizon Wireless is pushing the FCC to move up the starting date for the 700 MHz auction, which could effectively kill a Cyren Call proposal to build a wireless broadband network serving public safety using 700 MHz spectrum, sources said. Meanwhile, even though the FCC had held it cannot reallocate the spectrum without Congressional action, the agency has been inundated with comments in recent days in support of the Cyren plan. The source said Cyren Call is likely reassessing how its fortunes have changed with the Democratic takeover of Congress. 揟hey抳e got to get legislation and, fundamentally, it just hinges on how much traction they抮e getting on the Hill,?the source said: 揑f anything, the change on the Hill might be helpful for them.?nnA regulatory attorney said Verizon Wireless hasn抰 made a secret of its goal of moving up the 700 MHz auction to as early as possible. Currently, the auction is expected in late 2007 or early 2008, but Verizon Wireless reportedly would prefer a mid-2007 start date. Verizon Wireless had no comment Wed. 揟he easiest way to run out the clock is to shorten it, and I think the behavior is predictable that they [Verizon Wireless] would try to speed up the auction date,?said Bruce Cox, vp-govt. relations for Cyren Call. 揑t抯 obvious to us that Verizon is opposed to what Cyren is attempting to do and starting the debate for the best use of the 30 MHz at 700 MHz.?/font>
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