This article by Tim Wu, originally published in Forbes, argues that cellular and wireless networks need the equivalent of the 1968 Carterphone decision that decoupled telephone devices from the network. It has been argued that this decision opened up innovation and competition and Wu argues the same thing could occur in the wireless domain and suggests that this be a requirement for spectrum winners of the upcoming 700 MHz auction.

The question, for another article, is has anyone at the FCC looked at the value of an auction versus the value in keeping this spectrum for the public’s use via an unlicensed mechanism as is done in the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz ranges.

technorati tags:wireless, auctions, spectrum, carterphone, cellular