Sprint, T-Mobile, and others want the FCC to “carefully scrutinize” a number of AT&T’s proposed low-band spectrum acquisitions.
AT&T has asked the FCC for permission to purchase 700MHz spectrum from a range of small companies around the country. AT&T’s competitors argue its low-band spectrum purchases should trigger the FCC’s spectrum screen and require extra examination for their effects on competition. Low-band spectrum is highly valued for its propagation characteristics, and AT&T and Verizon Wireless already control a significant amount of low-band spectrum around the country.
Sprint and T-Mobile claim the FCC has yet to fully define what triggers the spectrum screen with small-scale deals. They believe AT&T is taking advantage of the FCC’s lack of clarity on the issue. AT&T responded by saying, “AT&T is confident that after a careful, enhanced factor review, the Bureau will conclude that both of these small deals will cause no harm to competition and will result in significant public interest benefits.”
