Verizon: Google trying to "change the rules"
updated 10:10 am EDT, Thu May 8, 2008
Verizon follows rules
Verizon on Thursday responded to Google's filing, allegedly spinning the situation that Google – not Verizon – is trying to "change the rules" of the now-closed auction. The response comes to a filing with the FCC, where Google claims Verizon is not going to live up to the terms of a truly open network. It fears that, if left unchecked, open devices such as Google's Android platform would be deadlocked with Verizon, despite the open nature of the portion of the 700MHz spectrum Verizon won.
"Google's filing has no legal basis," writes Jim Gerace, spokesperson for Verizon. "It's really no surprise that despite not winning spectrum, they continue to try to change the rules and further their own business interests through the regulatory process. We expect to file at the Federal Communications Commission within the next several days on this matter."
Gerace cites that all participants in the 700MHz spectrum understood FCC rulings for use of the spectrum, and that they will honor those rules. He also writes that should Google or others have any evidence of the opposite
Aside, Gerace notes that Verizon's development program is on track, and that it looks forward to open-minded developers taking advantage of its services.
