Verizon urges scrapping D-Block auction process

Verizon Wireless is proposing Congress and the FCC scrap a plan to re-auction the 700 MHz D-Block and instead focus on a new plan to create a nationwide, interoperable, 4G broadband network for first responders. Steve Zipperstein, Verizon's vice president for legal and external affairs and the carrier's general counsel, said the government should not rehash a process that has already failed (D-Block bids during last year's 700 MHz auction did not pass the required $1.3 billion reserve). Thus, Zipperstein argued for a new approach--one far different than the FCC's proposed D-Block re-auction. He called for allocating the D-Block spectrum directly to public safety organizations on a state, local and regional basis, which he said would give public safety more control over the spectrum. Zipperstein said that "bold action" was necessary to "overcome the inertia" of creating an interoperable network for public safety. Zipperstein also said this new plan would require "a national technical framework" to ensure nationwide interoperability, using IP-based solutions. Finally, Zipperstein said "public safety should be free to select the commercial partner or partners of their choice, using an RFP process or similar competitive approach to best meet their individual needs."