FCC OK's AT&T Buy of Low-Band Spectrum From Kaplan in Louisiana
The FCC gave its blessing to AT&T’s buy from Kaplan of two lower 700 MHz C-block licenses and a cellular B-block license, covering all or parts of two local market areas in Louisiana. The Wireless Bureau said its analysis found…
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that the deal would give AT&T low-band spectrum holdings in the two above one-third of the currently suitable and available below-1-GHz spectrum, requiring a more detailed review. But it still said the transaction is permissible. The review found that the transaction would give AT&T 12 to 37 MHz of spectrum in nine parishes covering all or parts of two cellular market areas in parts of Louisiana, the order said. Since the transaction doesn't involve wireless business units or customers in either market, the bureau said it did examine the effect on market concentration. “After carefully evaluating the likely competitive effects of AT&T’s increased aggregation of below-1-GHz spectrum in these markets, as well as the other factors ordinarily considered in a case-by-case review, we find that the likelihood of competitive harm is low,” it said. “We find some public interest benefits are likely, such as increased network quality and a better user experience.” The bureau established a pleading cycle on the deal and raised additional questions of the two companies in October (see 1410290065). The two companies sought approval last August.