wireless carterfone

The Downsides in Maximizing Spectrum Auction Proceeds

Rob Frieden
December 12, 2008 20:59

My classical economics training suggests that when governments maximize spectrum auctions—or the award of any franchise—the nation “wins” by awarding a public resource to the party most willing and able to maximize the value reflected by the asset. Surely a venture willing to part with the most...

Voodoo Economic Modeling and Telecom Policy

Rob Frieden
November 18, 2008 18:37

In my capacity as a university professor, one of the ways I serve “the academy” involves blind peer review of journal manuscripts. I also have the opportunity to read the academic literature. I marvel at the number of instances where someone—typically holding a PhD in economics—uses a model to...

Wireless Carterfone is Not Overbearing Regulation

Rob Frieden
April 15, 2008 14:32

I don't understand why applying Carterfone to wireless is controversial and successfully framed by opponents as an extension of regulation. I consider it consumer empowerment/protection and a logical extension of the consumer welfare enhancement achieved when wireline telcos had to decouple...

Who Makes the Any Apps Any Handset Call?

Rob Frieden
April 02, 2008 17:34

The Wall Street Journal today reported that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin wants to reject a Petition for Declaratory Ruling filed by Skype that would establish a wireless Carterfone policy, i.e., that wireless carriers must allow subscribers to use any compatible handset to aceess any application,...

Game, Set and Match: How AT&T and Verizon Will Largely Lock Down the Third Screen

Rob Frieden
March 21, 2008 15:01

The results of the 700 MHz spectrum auction solidify the market dominance of AT&T and Verizon by locking up the best additional spectrum a competitor could access for the foreseeable future. In light of shroud of secrecy surrounding the mechanics of the auction—no doubt to maximize the one time...