FCC Investigating AT&T Buy of 700 MHz License From Qualcomm
The FCC established a pleading cycle on AT&T’s proposed buy of a single 700 MHz B-block license from Qualcomm. The license covers a single market in New Jersey, the FCC said. “The Applicants maintain that the proposed transaction would provide…
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AT&T with additional spectrum that would enable it to increase its system capacity to enhance existing services, better accommodate its overall growth, and facilitate the provision of additional products and services in one Cellular Market Area,” a Monday FCC notice said. “The Applicants assert that, as a result of this proposed transaction, AT&T would hold 24 megahertz of contiguous, paired Lower 700 MHz spectrum in this CMA, allowing for a 10×10 megahertz LTE deployment.” Under the preliminary analysis the buy would give AT&T 111 MHz of spectrum, including 61 MHz of spectrum below 1 GHz in the Hunterdon market, the FCC said. Petitions to deny are due May 9, oppositions May 16 and replies May 23. The FCC also sent letters to both companies asking for additional information. “Explain in detail the decision made by Qualcomm to assign to AT&T the Lower 700 MHz B Block spectrum that is the subject of this application, including any attempts made to enter into a sale of this spectrum or alternative arrangements with parties other than AT&T,” the letter to Qualcomm said.