Google: Verizon Must Pledge Open Access

Google has filed a petition with the FCC urging the regulatory body to make sure Verizon sticks to openness requirements associated with its recently-won blocks of 700 MHz spectrum.

In a filing with Federal Communications Commission (PDF), Internet giatn Google has asked the regulatory agency to obtain a separate pledge from Verizon that it will honor open-access conditions attached to 700 MHz spectrum licenses it won in the recent FCC spectrum auction. The openness requirements would enable customers to use any wireless device of their choosing on the network, as well as use any applications they like on the network, rather than being locked into devices and applications from a specific provider.

According to Google, Verizon believes the FCC “should not force C Block licensees to allow any and all lawful applications to be downloaded to any devices that licensees provide, including devices that are not configured to accommodate any and all applications.” Google, however, maintains this position is contrary to the FCC’s requirements for operating in the 700 Mhz space, and is therefore asking the FCC to get Verizon to publicly commit to openness on the 700 MHz spectrum, rather than adhering to its previous position. “Verizon is not free to self-define the rule to exclude any and all Verizon devices,” Google wrote in the filing. “The commission must ensure that Verizon understands that this license obligation means what it says: any apps, any devices.”

Google doesn’t specify what it would like the FCC to do if Verizon won’t affirm a commitment to openness in the 700 MHz band, but notes that failing to make Verizon live up to the conditions attached to the spectrum licenses would not be in the public interest. It’s probably safe to assume that if Verizon won’t pledge to uphold the FCC’s openness requirements, Google would like to see Verizon’s 700 MHz spectrum licenses rescinded. Google argues Verizon’s lack of clarity on its openness stance is already hurting mobile device and application development.

Verizon has committed to an open network policy on its current, non-700 MHz spectrum, which would let Verizon customers pay additional money to use a broader range of devices (which still must be tested and approved by Verizon), and run any application they like, albeit without any support from Verizon.