FCC Former Chairman Says Agency Lacks Control Over Handset Makers

In an appearance in Seattle, former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin noted that when it comes to open access to wireless networks, the government is now more concerned about the obstructionist role that handset makers like Apple or Google play, than it is about the behavior of the wireless networks. But regulators have less control over the former.

During his stint as FCC Chairman, he helped push through rules in a spectrum auction that would require the winner—in this case, Verizon Wireless—to ensure open access to its network. While vague, it means that Verizon won't be able to limit users, devices or applications on the network. However, Verizon has just started to build-out its 4G network, so it's still unclear how that will be practiced. Martin said. "I think what the Commission did with the open access piece was an important step...Prior to 2007, there was resistance from the carriers to any kind of open architecture, including the inclusion of WiFi chips in devices, even though today that's perceived as a helpful thing....But I think we haven't been able to see the ultimate impact because they [Verizon] are still deploying it, I think it did contribute to the shift of the wireless industry, in general, and ultimately will benefit consumers."