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FCC Likely to Side with AT&T and Verizon in Spectrum Fight

May 29, 2015, 7:21 AM by Eric M. Zeman

The FCC is close to making a final decision regarding how much spectrum to set aside for smaller carriers in next year's 600MHz auction and T-Mobile isn't going to be happy. The FCC has already set aside 30MHz of the airwaves in question for smaller carriers, thereby limiting how much spectrum AT&T and Verizon — the nation's two largest carriers — can acquire. T-Mobile has been pushing the FCC to increase the allotment to 40MHz, but Reuters reports the FCC is prepared to move forward with the 30MHz limit in place. AT&T and Verizon already control about two-thirds of the nation's low-band spectrum, which is highly valued for its propagation characteristics. T-Mobile and Sprint would like access to more low-band spectrum, and the 600MHz auction is their best opportunity to acquire it. Reuters' sources suggest the FCC's decision could still change, but T-Mobile's request is likely to be denied. The 600MHz auction is scheduled to begin in mid-2016. The FCC wants the rules locked down before the end of 2015.

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Comments

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This forum is closed.

insider.

Jun 2, 2015, 5:08 PM

Why bother with an auction if they are going to reserve spectrum?

Why have an auction at all? Why not just reserve some for every carrier and then dole it out? Why only reserve some for smaller carriers? Why don't they have to WIN the bid? SMH

thenewempire

May 30, 2015, 10:55 AM

They just don't get it...

Amazing how they want 4 major carriers, but don't want to make the changes needed to allow them to properly compete. If they keep letting AT&T and Verizon buy huge chunks of spectrum, things are just going to get worse and worse for consumers.

DarkStar

T-mobile has money they can spend some.

kai445

May 31, 2015, 12:17 PM

Huge mistake, FCC

If this is true, the FCC is really getting this one wrong. 30MHz reserve is not enough.

DarkStar

not really. The FCC wants to make money. If T-Mobile doesn't want the big 2 to get more spectrum then they can pony up the money. They can go to daddy and beg for money.

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