Utility concerns about unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band (see 2001140057) are predicated on incorrect assumptions and errors, CableLabs responded. Antenna gain to number of access points, when corrected, shows that low-power indoor Wi-Fi, operating without automated frequency coordination, is no interference risk to fixed service in the band, said the docket 18-295 posting Tuesday. The R&D group and the cable industry back FCC-unlicensed operations (see 2002030049). The utility interests didn't comment.

CTIA arguments for more licensed mid-band spectrum for 5G are “on target,” FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly tweeted Tuesday. “It's why I've worked for years to get the U.S. in position to finish multiple licensed mid-band actions, with acceptable C-Band outcome a must. Now, it's about smart & thoughtful @FCC execution!” The association's report said the U.S. is falling behind, compared with 13 other countries: “While nearly all spectrum in other countries has been made available on an exclusively licensed basis, the U.S. is an ‘outlier’ in the amount of unlicensed and shared spectrum being made available.”

The FCC Wireless Bureau sought comment Monday on a request by the Lower Colorado River Authority for extension on the construction deadline for its 900 MHz frequencies. An earlier extension expired Dec. 31, and the authority asked for until Dec. 31, 2024, “to replace its current system, which relies on equipment that has been discontinued,” the bureau said. Comments are due March 4, replies March 19, in docket 17-200.

The FCC’s priority application window for tribes to apply for free licenses in the 2.5 GHz band opened Monday. It closes Aug. 3. Tribal interests raised concerns about rules for the band (see 2001230037), which was the subject of a workshop last month at the FCC (see 2001140059). “My travels throughout Indian Country have shown me that bringing high-speed connectivity to rural Tribal lands can be a game-changer,” Chairman Ajit Pai said Monday.

ZTE asked the FCC to exempt it from the list of covered companies deemed a threat to U.S. networks. The FCC approved national security supply chain rules 5-0 in November, barring equipment from Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE in networks funded by the USF and establishing rules that could block other providers (see 1911220033). “ZTE has settled its case relating to export control and sanctions violations” and isn't listed by the Commerce or Treasury Departments for any export control or sanctions restrictions targeting it,” it said Monday in docket 18-89: ZTE’s “is committed to ensuring that our Company conducts business only in compliance with all applicable laws where we are operating, including U.S. export and sanctions laws and regulations. ZTE has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to implement a compliance program relating to U.S. export control compliance regulations and continues to work to enhance its compliance program.” The company said it's also making progress on cybersecurity: “Providing secure and trustworthy products and services for our customers is one of ZTE’s highest priorities." Comments are also coming in on a related Further NPRM. NTCH and Flat Wireless said they understand the security concerns: “Companies who innocently bought such equipment, or were forced to buy such equipment because of unfunded federal mandates, with no knowledge that it could be used as a portal for foreign interception should not be forced to bear the financial burden of destroying that equipment without compensation.” The State E-Rate Coordinators’ Alliance said the FCC should exempt USF recipients outside the E-rate program from the prohibition. “The greatest threat to national security involves the use of covered equipment and services in Eligible Telecommunications Company networks rather than in the more localized facilities of other USF recipients such as schools and libraries,” the alliance said.

Prepaid Wireless Group supported the T-Mobile/Sprint/Dish Network settlement, in Tunney Act review of DOJ's settlement before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly. PWG said (in Pacer) Friday the government accord "would be in the public interest by fostering a competitive wireless market for the 5G era. By extending existing T-Mobile and Sprint agreements with MVNOs [mobile virtual network operators] under their current terms and conditions for a minimum of seven years, the Settlement would preserve competition in the wireless market and put downward pressure on prices." The court denied a request by NTCH to file an amicus brief. The Rural Wireless Association, New America’s Open Technology Institute and Consumer Reports filed that the deal should be denied. “The proposed merger between T-Mobile and Sprint would result in a four-to-three reduction in the number of nationwide wireless service providers, and the Division has already demonstrated that the merger as it was proposed would diminish competition substantially.” Former FCC Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth said the question before the court is straight forward. “There is no requirement that DISH replace Sprint as a competitor or that the market be restored to ‘ex ante competitive conditions,’” he said (in Pacer). “The goal of the Proposed Final Judgment is to address the likely anticompetitive effects of an acquisition.”

CTIA representatives met FCC Wireless and Wireline bureau staff about a petition last year for more changes to wireless infrastructure rules (see 1909090051). Previous clarifications “are having real-world impacts today by providing clarity for industry and government stakeholders alike regarding key siting provisions,” CTIA said in docket 19-250, posted Thursday. “The record in the present proceedings demonstrates that confusion remains regarding separate statutory language and Commission rules relating to the deployment of facilities on existing infrastructure -- specifically, those pertaining to Section 224 of the Communications Act and Section 6409(a) of the 2012 Spectrum Act,” CTIA said.

Verizon reported mixed Q4 results, like AT&T the previous day (see 2001290025). Verizon had 852,000 wireless retail postpaid additions, including 588,000 phones, the highest net adds in six years. Postpaid churn was 0.86 percent. Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg told analysts Thursday Verizon is interested in the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service band. The carrier has done extensive tests, and it works, he said: “It’s going to be definitely something we’re using as it comes out.” On 5G more generally, Verizon committed to launch in 30 cities and is up to 31, Vestberg said. The company expects more than 20 5G devices to come to market in 2020, with a 5G Apple device driving uptake. “We're building a unique 5G experience with our millimeter wave that nobody else is building,” the chief said. Profit was $5.22 billion, up from $2.07 billion in the year-ago quarter and slightly some analyst estimates. Wireline revenue of $3.2 billion fell 1.7 percent. Verizon, unlike AT&T, is increasing capital expenditures, which means lower free cash flow, said MoffettNathanson's Craig Moffett. In other ways, the results are similar, he wrote investors. “The wireless business is getting more competitive,” said the analyst. “Churn is rising and margins are falling, and the highly anticipated (feared?) 5G upgrade cycle hasn’t even started yet. And everything other than wireless is even worse. AT&T’s non-Mobility segments were a disaster. Verizon’s non-wireless segment … was, well, a catastrophe.” Wireless phone adds “were strong, though this won’t be much of a surprise following comments from AT&T and T-Mobile about how aggressive Verizon was in the quarter,” said New Street’s Jonathan Chaplin. “Churn didn’t spike as much as others, though this isn’t surprising given that they were the ones promoting most aggressively (inflicting higher churn on others).”

California Public Utilities Commissioners won’t vote on T-Mobile buying Sprint until at least March because it missed Tuesday’s deadline to issue a proposed decision 30 days before its Feb. 27 meeting. The next meeting is March 12. “There’s no particular reason, though, to expect a draft decision to be published in time to make that meeting,” Tellus Venture Associates President Steve Blum blogged Wednesday. “Or any in March. April could be in doubt, too.”

The FCC Wireless Bureau reminded 700 MHz guard band licensees and 220 MHz band managers they must file annual reports on or before March 2 or face an enforcement action. “In the annual reports, Licensees must provide information about the manner in which the spectrum in each of their markets is being utilized,” the bureau said Tuesday: “The information provided should accurately convey the current level of service being offered in each licensed area, including information regarding coverage provided by Licensees’ operations and any spectrum lease agreements.”