Frontline petitions for 700MHz changes

A wireless start-up has launched an appeal with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to try to alter the terms of the forthcoming 700MHz spectrum auction. Frontline Wireless wants the FCC to change the bidding rules to block incumbent operators from building up what it calls an ‘excessive concentration in spectrum holdings’. Frontline also wants smaller operators to be allowed to employ a wholesale business model on the 700MHz network, which will be used to offer both commercial and public safety services, and has called for the minimum bid level to be lowered. Verizon Wireless recently launched its own appeal against the FCC’s rules for the 700MHz auction; it wants open access provisions removed, barring the way for firms such as Google and Apple to use the frequencies to offer a wide range of applications and devices.