Crandall and Singer Critique Wireless Net Neutrality in Wall Street Journal Op-Ed; Eisenach Quoted in Lead Editorial

July 11, 2007

Criterion co-founder Robert W. Crandall and President Hal J. Singer published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal today entitled "Telecom Time Warp."  Crandall and Singer argue against calls by Internet telephone, or VoIP providers, for non-discrimination rules known as "wireless net neutrality," an idea some lawmakers and regulators are seriously entertaining.

Crandall and Singer note that former FCC chairman Reed Hundt is advocating service rules for the upcoming FCC 700 MHz-auction, which would impose, among other onerous requirements, net neutrality rules on the winning bidder.  They conclude that either the FCC or the courts will eventually realize that regulating competitive networks for the benefit of select content providers is not in the interest of American consumers.

In addition, Criterion Chairman Jeffrey A. Eisenach was quoted today in a Wall Street Journal editorial entitled "Reed Hundt’s Spectrum Play." Dr. Eisenach said that Frontline's goal of using spectrum to build a nationwide wireless broadband network will cost more than $20 billion over 10 years, and he doubts Mr. Hundt's business plan can deliver on its promises.

To read Drs. Crandall's and Singer’s op-ed, click here.

To read the Wall Street Journal editorial in which Jeffrey Eisenach was quoted, click here.