July 30, 2007 1:25 PM

Why an open wireless network matters to our movement

As a progressive institution that has generated over $50 million in new funding to the our movement by running an independent telecommunications company, Working Assets knows how communications media - and the rules that govern them - can launch a movement or threaten to snuff it out.

The FCC is in the process of planning one of the most significant auctions of wireless spectrum in history. Tomorrow it will set forth rules for how an important slice of the wireless spectrum - the 700 MHz frequency – will be sold off. While little known and less understood, this auction promises more massive impact on the progressive movement than perhaps even media ownership rules. And depending on what happens in the coming weeks, the aftermath will bring either harsh repercussions or fantastic opportunities for our movement in the years to come.

What’s at stake in this auction is more than encouraging competition and innovation in the broadband and wireless phone industries. It’s about making sure that the principle of network neutrality – freedom of speech on our communication networks – applies to our mobile and wireless networks as well as to the internet.

In early June 30,000 members of the Working Assets activism network contacted the FCC urging them not to set rules for the auction that essentially giveaway this part of the public spectrum to big telecom companies like AT&T and Verizon.

Since then, Google has taken the unprecedented step of pledging to bid at least $4.6 billion for the spectrum if the FCC sets rules to ensure open standards are required of any buyer of this portion of the public airwaves. In light of this new development, today we’re asking you again, in the last hours before the FCC votes on rules for the auction, to make your voice heard.

Click here to take action now.

If open standards are adopted, this particular section of the spectrum has the potential to create a natural third pipe for the internet – bringing wireless broadband at a low price to the far corners of the U.S. – and of particular interest to Working Assets could be used to established an open network for mobile phones.

Google’s proposal demands that the FCC set the following requirements for the 700MHz spectrum:

• Open applications: consumers should be able to download and utilize any software applications, content, or services they desire;
• Open devices: consumers should be able to utilize their handheld communications device with whatever wireless network they prefer;
• Open services: third parties (resellers) should be able to acquire wireless services from a 700 MHz licensee on a wholesale basis, based on reasonably nondiscriminatory commercial terms; and
• Open networks: third parties (like Internet service providers) should be able to interconnect at any technically feasible point in a 700 MHz licensee's wireless network.

What does it mean to have wireless networks without open standards? That’s what we have now. For example, Verizon currently blocks Working Assets’ ability to deliver political content to your handset – even if you request us to do so. With open standards, you could download whatever mobile content and applications you choose, regardless of your provider. Want to keep your phone but dump your cell phone provider because the CEO gives money to rightwing politicians? With open standards, you could buy an iPhone and instead of supporting AT&T with your monthly payments get your service from a company that shares your values. The possibilities go on and on.

Good discussions on this issue, including loads more technical information, can be found on OpenLeft.com and Public Knowledge.

We progressives have parlayed our ability to organize on the internet into a decided edge over the rightwing when it comes to playing politics online. But as more and more of our communications move to the mobile and wireless arena, we are finding telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon – with their millions in support to rightwing politicians - are blocking our ability to organize and innovate.

The FCC should set rules for the upcoming auction of the 700 MHz auction that embrace open standards and promote wireless freedom. It’s not just good for consumers. It’s an essential part of our strategy to organize, fund and win social change.