FCC Approves AT&T Low-Band Spectrum Buys in 3 States
The FCC Wireless Bureau had two late Christmas presents for AT&T Wednesday, approving the carrier's buy of low-band 700 MHz spectrum licenses in Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania. The first order approved AT&T’s acquisition of six C-block and two B-block…
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licenses in Michigan from Agri-Valley Communications. The deal required extra scrutiny under the FCC’s mobile holdings order because it would give AT&T more than one-third of the low-band spectrum available in six of the seven local market areas covered, the bureau said. “We find that the proposed assignment of licenses would serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity, and therefore we approve the proposed assignments,” the bureau said in the order. The two companies sought FCC approval in May. The bureau also approved AT&T’s buy of a 700 MHz B-block and PCS A-block license covering all or parts of three local market areas in New York and Pennsylvania from NEP. The deal required additional scrutiny because it gives AT&T more than one-third of the low-band spectrum in one of the markets. The bureau also found that buy wouldn't harm competition. The transaction had been in front of the FCC since June.