The Next Frontier for Openness: Wireless Communications

Abstract

For wireless communications, the FCC has fostered competition rather than openness. This has permitted the emergence of vertically integrated end-to-end providers, creating problems of reduced hardware innovation, software applications, user choice, and content access. To deal with these emerging issues and create multi-level forms of competition, one policy is likely to suffice: a Carterfone for wireless, coupled with more unlicensed spectrum.