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AT&T, Verizon Join CBA in Backing C-Band Auction

Principles

The C-Band Alliance said it’s now able to increase the amount of the efficiency of satellite video delivery, allowing the same content
spectrum from 180 MHz to 280 MHz, with a 20 MHz guard band. to be transmitted over less spectrum. Specifically, the CBA is
While some lawmakers are turning up the pressure to force the proposing to clear a first tranche of 120 MHz of spectrum, inclusive
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a public of a 20 MHz guard band, in 46 metro zones within 18 months
auction of C-band spectrum, the C-Band Alliance (CBA) announced of an FCC order. A second tranche of spectrum would be made
that it is being joined by several entities on a set of principles available within 36 months of the C-band auction. The auction
designed to guide a CBA-led auction of the airwaves. Verizon, principles that the wireless operators and satellite companies
AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, Pine Belt Wireless and U.S. Cellular are proposing suggest the use of a multi-round ascending clock
joined the CBA in an FCC filing that details a set of principles to auction format that is “substantively similar” to other recent FCC
guide a process of auctioning off terrestrial rights to the spectrum. auctions, according to the CBA. The principles call for a single
Verizon and AT&T previously signaled their support for a CBA auction that would include all proposed cleared spectrum, divided
plan in prior FCC filings. Notably absent from the list is T-Mobile, into 20 MHz blocks based on partial economic areas, regardless
which has been arguing for a public auction. Indeed, T-Mobile CTO of timing or tranche. Other principles detailed in the filing include
Neville Ray met with FCC commissioners last week to discuss the the setting of an aggregate reserve price and the agreement for
C-band, and noted support in the record for transitioning many of participants to be bound by the FCC’s communications rules,
the existing users to fiber. But the support of the wireless carriers reporting obligations and enforcement. However, because the
is just one development. The CBA on Monday also announced that satellite companies in the C-Band Alliance are headquartered
it’s increasing the amount of spectrum it’s proposing to release outside the U.S., lawmakers are crying foul and saying the U.S.,
from 180 MHz to 280 MHz, with a 20 MHz guard band retained for if it proceeds with a CBA-led auction, will be relinquishing billions
the protection of ongoing satellite operations. It’s able to do that of dollars to foreign companies instead of funneling it to U.S.
after working with customers to ensure enough C-band spectrum coffers. They also say that an auction that is not conducted by the
remains for content distribution. The CBA further explained that FCC will be challenged in court, causing further delays in getting
the increase in the amount of spectrum to be cleared for 5G is made the spectrum into the hands of wireless carriers. Last week, a
possible by technologies such as advanced modulation, single group of lawmakers introduced the C-BAND Act, which would
format transport and advanced video compression, including require the FCC to conduct a public auction of the C-band. The
High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). These technologies improve Senate Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing today on the
C-band auction process. Witnesses included Public Knowledge,
Citizens Against Government Waste and other groups lobbying
for an FCC-led auction. In light of that hearing, the American
Consumer Institute, R Street Institute and others submitted a
letter to the committee asking them to support the CBA plan for
private auctions in the secondary market. They argued that U.S.
tax revenues will diminish if the C-band is not rapidly brought to
market and that the CBA repeatedly pledged to make a significant
contribution to the U.S. Treasury from auction proceeds. Earlier
this month, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said he had not yet made up his
mind about how the FCC will handle the C-band, but that he was
still optimistic an item will land on the FCC’s agenda before the
end of the year.

AT&T, Axtel, Telmex Renew 3.5GHz Rights, Report Says

As Mexico prepares for the 5G era, WiMAX concessions, each of which will run 3450MHz and 3525MHz-3550MHz
three domestic players have reportedly for 20 years, starting on 1 January 2020. bands. Meanwhile, Telmex has transferred
renewed legacy spectrum rights All three players are required to relinquish 3550MHz-3575MHz spectrum to AT&T,
covering the 5G-suitable 3.5GHz band. parts of their current 3.4GHz frequency in exchange for 3475MHz-3500MHz
According to El Economista, the Federal allocation by year-end, however, to ensure frequencies. TeleGeography notes that an
Telecommunications Institute (Instituto a fairer spectrum distribution. As per the additional 50MHz of spectrum within the
Federal de Telecomunicaciones, IFT) has report, Axtel will now operate spectrum 3.4GHz-3.6GHz range is expected to come
permitted AT&T Mexico, Axtel and Telmex in the 3500MHz-3550MHz range and will into play next year, most likely via an IFT
to renew longstanding 50MHz nationwide relinquish frequencies in the 3425MHz- auction.

37 OCTOBER 2019