"Openness" means a service provider won't be able to dictate which devices and services can be used on the network in the way cellular carriers currently do with their networks.
Providers of Internet telephony services seem to have won a battle in the war against conventional wired and wireless telephone service this week when FCC chairman Kevin Martin called for "openness" in draft rules for the upcoming auction of radio spectrum in the 700 MHz band.
Companies like Google and eBay's Skype applauded the move. Google called Martin's new public stance a "favorable development". eBay's CEO supported Martin, too. Google and eBay and other technology companies are increasingly facing off against entrenched telecom firms like AT&T and Verizon Communications(VZ).
The auction, which won't take place for several months, is shaping up as a major battlefield between IP technology firms and traditional telephone companies. And the draft rules still need to win votes from a majority of the commission before the auction can take place.
Full article: informationweek.com
