SpectrumAuctions
Latest
T-Mobile urges Congress, FCC to keep spectrum auctions competitive
T-Mobile may be getting a new batch of spectrum as a result of its failed merger with AT&T, but it's obviously going to always be on the hunt for more, and it's now urging Congress to ensure that the playing field for future auctions is level for all bidders big and small. Specifically, it's asking members of Congress to reconsider some pending legislation that it says would "effectively preclude the FCC from considering existing spectrum holdings in determining the qualifications for participation in auctions." That, it suggests, would put smaller players like itself at a disadvantage to the big spectrum holders in future auctions (namely, AT&T and Verizon), and would represent a drastic break from the past twenty years -- during which it says the FCC has continued to fine-tune it's process to ensure "pro-competitive auction rules." T-Mobile's full case, laid out by VP of Federal Regulatory Affairs Kathleen Ham, can be found at the source link below.
FCC tightens rules on spectrum auction discounts
Major wireless carriers planning to partner with smaller providers in order to get discounts on the upcoming wireless spectrum landrush have just been delivered a major blow by the FCC, with the agency announcing a tighter set of rules and penalties on a practice that had been popular in past auctions. According to the new rules, smaller carriers only qualify for discounts if they lease less than 50% of their licensed spectrum to other operators, and those discounts will be "further examined" for carriers sub-leasing as little as a quarter of their spectrum. Furthermore, if a carrier goes ahead and leases too much spectrum within the first five years after they've obtained a license, they must repay the entire amount of the discount plus interest. What does this all mean for the consumer? We're not completely sure about all the specifics, but we wouldn't be at all surprised if the increased costs to the major carriers happen to trickle down to our bills.
