T-Mobile US signs up new D.C. lobbying firm

T-Mobile US recently hooked up with a new lobbying firm in a move connected with spectrum relocation in the 1.7 GHz band.
According to an LD-1 Disclosure Form filing, T-Mobile US registered with the D.C.-based lobbying firm Jones Group International, a move confirmed by both T-Mobile US and the lobbying firm. Jones Group noted that T-Mobile US’ lobbying issues revolve around work to “develop and assist in negotiating a plan with the Department of Defense for the relocation of DoD systems in the 1755-1850 MHz band of wireless spectrum.”
The National Telecommunication and Information Administration released a report that stated the 1755-1850 MHz band could be re-purposed for commercial use. Last week the Federal Communications Commission announced final rules for the planned AWS-3 spectrum auction scheduled to begin Nov. 12. That auction, which was dubbed Auction 97, includes a total of 65 megahertz of spectrum spread across 1,614 licenses, including the 1755-1780 MHz band as an uplink channel paired with the 2155-2180 MHz band for the downlink.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, T-Mobile US parent company Deutsche Telekom has maintained lobbying efforts through T-Mobile US, with its American subsidiary spending just over $5 million dollars last year. Wireless industry trade association CTIA, which both DT and T-Mobile US are members of, spent $11.54 million last year on lobbying efforts and has spent $3.08 million so far this year.
As the FCC considers opening up more spectrum for commercial use, telecom companies are likely to increase their efforts to boost such efforts by lobbing the government and military to reallocate and shrink its own spectrum requirements. T-Mobile US has yet to comment on its latest efforts.