"iPhone Hearing" draws calls for openness in wireless networks

The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet on July 11 held a hearing on "Wireless Innovation and Consumer Protection." Dubbed the "iPhone Hearing," the Subcommittee explored the growing consumer demand for phone portability and open wireless platforms for applications and content. The hearing also discussed the upcoming FCC 700 MHz auction, which, if structured correctly, many hope will eventually pave the way for a new, competitive broadband access platform.

Chris Murray of the Consumers Union, Jason Devitt of the Wireless Founders Coalition for Innovation, and Timothy Wu, professor of law at Columbia University testified to the importance of open wireless networks to both encourage innovation in devices and services as well as protect consumers from the current anti-comptetive practices current used by wireless providers.

Chris Murray's Testimony

Jason Devitt's Testimony

Timothy Wu's Testimony