AT&T filed to acquire spectrum and network assets from Cellular Properties
AT&T is looking to expand its spectrum holdings across a pair of cellular market areas covering 11 counties in Illinois.
The deal, which was filed last week with the Federal Communications Commission, includes a pair of 25-megahertz cellular licenses in the 850 MHz band that are currently controlled by Cellular Properties. AT&T would also acquire network equipment and “other assets.”
Financial details of the proposed transaction were not included in the filing, with comments open through June 19.
The FCC noted that if approved, the deal would give AT&T control of between 101 megahertz and 173 megahertz of total spectrum in those markets, and 31 megahertz to 68 megahertz of spectrum below 1 GHz. The increase in 1 GHz spectrum control for a company already controlling one-third of those assets automatically triggers an “enhanced factor” in the FCC’s case-by-case review process.
The sub-1 GHz issue has become a hot-button topic for the mobile space as many wireless carriers and some trade associations have lobbied the FCC to tighten the ability for Verizon Wireless and AT&T to gain control over additional spectrum licenses. Reports indicate that the nation’s two largest mobile operators control a vast majority of sub-1 GHz licenses, mostly in the 700 MHz and 850 MHz band.
Sprint is in the process of rebanding spectrum in the 800 MHz band that will give the carrier approximately 14 megahertz of contiguous spectrum in the 800 MHz band that it’s using to deploy voice services using CDMA technology and LTE data services. T-Mobile US has been aggressive in acquiring A-Block 700 MHz licenses that it’s rapidly building out in an attempt to further its LTE footprint.
The FCC has said it plans to limit the amount of spectrum available to dominate sub-1 GHz spectrum holders in its planned 600 MHz incentive auction, which is scheduled for next year.
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