Alltel and MetroPCS gun for 700Mhz spectrum; Newly opened spectrum to be auctioned soon

With the newly opened 700Mhz wireless spectrum going up on the auction block soon, smaller players like Alltel and MetroPCS are making their intentions clear. Alltel has filed a petition with the FCC to keep the auctioning fair and open to bids for smaller, regional licenses. The FCC is planning to set aside a chunk of the spectrum for public safety/service communications, which could put the small-fish at a disadvantage.

In their filing, Alltel states that they are “very interested in the upcoming 700 MHz auction and the enormous potential of the 700 MHz spectrum to bring innovative new services to rural areas given the exceptional propagation characteristics of this band,” further requesting that the FCC “should consider imposing ‘bid premiums’ in this auction on bidders affiliated with incumbent local exchange carriers that hold significant CMRS [commercial mobile radio service] spectrum.”

Alltel also wants to block a “last-minute, self-serving” move from Frontline Wireless, LLC. to set aside a 10Mhz block for setting up an interoperable, broadband network that is to be built by the buyer for public-safety use.

MetroPCS is putting their name on the list of interested bidders with their Security and Exchange Commission filing that detailed plans to offer $300 million in notes, in addition to $1 billion in notes offered last fall, for corporate use, “which could include financing participation in and acquisition of additional spectrum in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming 700 MHz auction.”

via: rcrnews