FCC Leans Against More Set-Aside 600-MHz Spectrum

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission might be leaning against reserving more spectrum for smaller carriers in the upcoming 600-MHz spectrum auctions, as T-Mobile US and others have favored.

At present, 30 MHz has been reserved for carriers or other bidders without lots of lower-frequency spectrum. T-Mobile US has been arguing for a larger set-aside.

Some would argue that AT&T and Verizon actually are the most spectrum constrained suppliers. That might sound odd, but remember that the size of the customer base matters. A carrier with a smaller number of customers requires less spectrum than a carrier with a larger customer base.  

AT&T also argues that rural spectrum access really is not the issue, and that a larger spectrum set-aside will prevent AT&T and Verizon from bidding in urban markets.