FCC Reviewing Sprint, U.S. Cellular Spectrum Swap
The FCC established a pleading cycle on a proposed spectrum transfer of PCS and AWS-1 licenses between Sprint and U.S. Cellular (USCC). “Applicants assert that the proposed transaction would enable more efficient operations that would help meet the demands of…
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their customers for broadband wireless services. In those markets where either Sprint or USCC gains additional spectrum, the Applicants claim the proposed transaction would provide added capacity and improved data throughput speeds,” the FCC said in a Thursday public notice. No customers or facilities are affected, just spectrum, the agency said. By the FCC’s calculation, the swaps include spectrum in 49 counties in all or parts of 14 cellular market areas in parts of Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Virginia and Washington, the PN said. The spectrum covers “close to one percent of the population of the United States,” the agency said. The FCC said Sprint owns enough spectrum in seven of the covered counties that the deal requires enhanced review in those counties. Petitions to deny are due at the FCC July 28, oppositions Aug. 4, replies Aug. 11. The FCC also sent a request to Sprint asking a series of questions about the deal.