Airwaves auction still faces challenge

AIRWAVES AUCTION STILL FACES CHALLENGE
[SOURCE: Associated Press, AUTHOR: John Dunbar]
Verizon Wireless has dropped its court challenge against the government's consumer-friendly rules governing an upcoming airwaves auction -- but it's a bit early for supporters of the plan to declare victory. Verizon Wireless dropped its complaint because a court denied the company's request for a speedy review of the case. On the same day, CTIA -The Wireless Association filed its own suit. CTIA argues that the government-mandated open access provisions are unnecessary in a competitive wireless market and that the Federal Communications Commission's mandate is built upon "an irrational and inconsistent foundation." Despite the fact that one portion of CTIA's complaint contains language nearly identical to the Verizon Wireless suit, the company and the trade association say the events are not connected.
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