Late last week, Google petitioned the FCC to ensure that Verizon Wireless would follow the open access conditions set for the C Block of 700 MHz spectrum. Verizon won the C Block during the commission’s recent auction, with a high bid of $4.7 billion, just over the $4.6 billion minimum set to trigger the open access provisions.
Google lawyers stated in the filing that prior to the auction, Verizon had opposed the open access rules, which required the spectrum winner to allow customers to use any devices and applications on the network built using those airwaves.
“If the correct direction is not set now, concurrent with the application review and grant process, the commission’s policy goals will be thwarted, and public participation in development of the C Block stands to be muted,” said the filing.