The FCC paused its 180-day review of the proposed $1.8B deal between Verizon and XO, which includes access to 28 GHz spectrum licenses
Verizon Communication’s planned $1.8 billion acquisition of XO Communications hit a roadblock as the Federal Communications Commission has stopped its 180-day review process citing the need for more documentation.
In a letter filed in the proceedings by FCC Wireline Competition Bureau Chief Matt DelNero, the government regulator notes Verizon and XO Holdings had failed to provide documents connected with the deal, which were requested on June 22 with a return deadline of July 7.
“However, as of the date of this letter, neither applicant has completed their production of responsive material,” DelNero wrote. “Further, with respect to certain information requests no anticipated production date has been offered.”
The FCC said in response, it has paused the review process to July 7, which was day 86 of its review process, noting it will restart the review clock “upon completion of the applicants’ responses as discussed herein.”
The June 22 request contained 30 main questions regarding various aspects of Verizon and XO’s operations.
Verizon initially announced the deal in February, which included the outright purchase of XO’s fiber network and the leasing of wireless spectrum in the 28 GHz band that included an option to purchase the spectrum outright by the end of 2018. Verizon recently began to tap those spectrum assets as part of early network testing of “5G” technologies.
“Clearly at Verizon our focus is on 28 GHz,” said Gerry Flynn, director of corporate technology at Verizon, during a recent company event, noting the carrier’s effort to understand the steering and propagation characteristics needed “to bring massive broadband to a fixed environment. Fixed is our priority.”
Verizon said it is looking to begin trials of 5G technologies across various spectrum bands by the end of this year, having recently completed a 5G radio specification as part of its 5G Technology Forum group.
The 28 GHz spectrum band was included as part of the FCC’s recently approved “Spectrum Frontiers” proceedings, which included plans to open up nearly 11 gigahertz of spectrum above the 24 GHz band in support of mobile telecom services.
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