Verizon Wireless files FCC suit

Having failed to sway regulators at the FCC, Verizon Wireless has moved their battle to the courts, where they have asked District of Columbia Circuit Judges to review open-access rules on about a third of the 62Mhz of spectrum in the 700 Mhz-band to be auctioned in January. The open access rules allow would wireless customers to use their handset devices from other carriers on whichever network uses the slice of spectrum in question. Fearing a stampede away from their service, Verizon characterized the open access rules as "arbitrary, capricious, unsupported by substantial evidence and otherwise contrary to law." Open access proponents characterized Verizon's legal maneuvers as sending "lawyers, FUD and money" to overturn the FCC's decision. Open-access fans say there is more of a need than ever to help foster new service provider options. Indeed, they were hoping that the FCC would also require the winning bidding to provide access to competitors at wholesale prices. 

For all the details in this lawsuit:
- see the full text of the suit here
- read the article in InfoWorld