Make More High-Frequency Spectrum Available for Auction, T-Mobile Tells the FCC
The FCC should tee up for auction all five of the millimeter-wave bands it has approved for 5G (see 1804040042) and not just the 24 and 28 GHz bands, T-Mobile officials said in a meeting with FCC staff, including Wireless…
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Bureau Chief Donald Stockdale. “T-Mobile recently announced its plans to deploy 5G infrastructure in 30 markets this year using both 600 MHz and millimeter wave band spectrum,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 18-85. “Yet, more spectrum is required to realize the full potential of 5G networks and to promote competition. That is why the Commission should make millimeter wave band spectrum available, as quickly as possible, in a manner that best encourages competition and will produce the most pro-consumer impact.” Commissioners are to vote at their April 17 meeting on a public notice that will move the agency toward an auction of the 24 and 28 GHz bands (see 1803270052). Of the two bands, only 24 GHz “presents any meaningful opportunity for new entrants,” T-Mobile said: The 28 GHz band “is already heavily encumbered based on acquisitions by Verizon.”