WASHINGTON and GREENSBORO, N.C., June 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Frontline Wireless today lauded the request by a newly formed group of wireless innovators that the FCC use the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction to ensure that there is a platform for innovation on at least a small portion of the spectrum to be made available.

In a letter filed today at the FCC, the Wireless Founders Coalition for Innovation supports the wholesale, open access E Block for 700 MHz proposed by Frontline to the FCC. Under Frontline's plan, wireless open access would be required as a condition on just one part of this "beachfront" spectrum, which the FCC will auction later this year.

"Open access is the open door to bringing the center of consumer electronics invention back to the United States," said Frontline Vice Chairman Reed Hundt. "Open access is the translation of the FCC's famous 'four freedoms' into the wireless world."

Under Frontline's proposal, requiring that just a small slice of these airwaves be freed for wholesale, open-access use will create more competition and innovation in the wireless market, greater broadband penetration in the United States and more choices for first responders as part of a built-for- free shared wireless broadband network.

The Coalition, which brings together key wireless innovators who are behind a series of "firsts" in the industry, calls for wireless open access to free innovation from the bottleneck created by the "Big 4" mobile carriers in the United States. "Having to engage with the Big 4 at each cycle in the process can slow time to market and increase risks and costs for the entrepreneur. One should not have to negotiate with an access provider to offer a product elsewhere in the value chain," the letter said.

In response to the letter, Frontline issued the following statement:

"These entrepreneurs got it right: A wireless open access requirement for the E Block will finally foster wireless innovation at 'Internet speed.' And these innovators should know because, as they say in the letter, they have 'been there, and done that.'

The signatories have been behind key wireless innovations, such as the first and most successful MVNO in the United States. The status quo of the large wireless companies has led, and continues to lead, to less competition, fewer consumer choices and no real option for first responders who need a funded, advanced wireless broadband network for interoperability. The open access and wholesale proposal for the E Block is the best way to bring the Internet society of the United States into the wireless world and to bring the wireless networks of first responders from the 20th century into the 21st century."

For information about Frontline, contact Mary Greczyn at 202-371-2997. For a copy of the Coalition letter, go to: http://www.txtbl.com/wfc.html.

About Frontline Wireless

Frontline Wireless, LLC (http://www.frontlinewireless.com/) is based in Greensboro, N.C., with offices in Washington, D.C. Frontline's team includes Chief Executive Officer Haynes Griffin, Chairman Janice Obuchowski and Vice Chairman Reed Hundt. Frontline's partners include legendary high-tech entrepreneur James L. Barksdale, software radio technology innovator Vanu Bose, L. John Doerr for the venture capital firm of Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers and Ram Shriram, Managing Partner of venture investment company Sherpalo Ventures.

CONTACT: Mary Greczyn of Frontline Wireless, +1-202-371-2997