Media Access Project (MAP), on behalf of a coalition of public interest organizations and wireless Internet innovators, yesterday filed in response to AT&T and Verizon Wireless challenges to the Federal Communications Commission’s Harbinger-SkyTerra order. That order approved transfer of control of SkyTerra, and its satellite and terrestrial wireless licenses, to private-equity firm Harbinger.

The carriers sought reconsideration of two pro-competitive conditions for approval of the deal — conditions that seek to ensure Harbinger follows through on plans to build a new, nationwide 4G mobile broadband network. Those conditions would limit the ability of the largest wireless incumbents to make use of SkyTerra’s licensed spectrum without Commission approval.

“Despite protests by AT&T and Verizon Wireless, the challenged conditions would increase competition in mobile broadband and promote the deployment of high-speed Internet service to presently underserved areas,” said Matt Wood, MAP’s Associate Director. “We urge the Commission to consider what is best for consumers and to stand by the protections it initially deemed necessary.”

Signatories to the opposition filed by MAP include the CUWiN Foundation, the International Association of Community Wireless Networks, the Open Source Wireless Coalition, Free Press, New America Foundation, and Public Knowledge.

Read the petition here.