Wireless Spectrum Debate Moves Into Politics

Debate over upcoming auctions of wireless spectrum in the U.S. has reached new heights -- the U.S. presidential campaign.

This week, John Edwards, a leading Democratic candidate for president and former U.S. senator, called on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to ensure that small companies and wholesalers can bid on pieces of the 700MHz band when the spectrum goes to auction by early next year.

Winners of the spectrum should not be able to "discriminate" against competing Web content and services, Edwards added in a letter sent Wednesday to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.