Seven House Democrats urged the FCC and Justice Department to...
Seven House Democrats urged the FCC and Justice Department to carefully scrutinize the impact of Verizon Wireless’s proposed buy of AWS licenses from SpectrumCo and Cox Communications. The agencies’ review of the deals appears to be nearing its final stages,…
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with approval likely, albeit with substantial conditions (CD June 11 p1). Lawmakers said Wednesday the deal could have “significant implications” for the policy objectives established in the 1996 Telecom Act, “including the promotion of competition and the expansion of consumer choice in the communications marketplace.” The letters to DOJ and FCC said the nationwide spectrum block is particularly valuable to Verizon Wireless because it has the effect of “potentially forestalling competition.” They were signed by Reps. Ed Markey, D-Mass.; John Conyers, D-Mich.; Barney Frank, D-Mass.; John Olver, D-Mass.; John Tierney, D-Mass.; Stephen Lynch, D-Mass.; and Niki Tsongas, D-Mass. A Verizon Wireless spokesman said it’s made a “strong case” that purchasing unused spectrum and putting it to use for consumers is “in the public interest.” Cox Communications will “continue to comply with the approval process,” a spokesman said. The other cable companies had no comment.