T-Mobile 'Concerned' FCC Questioning Repacking Reimbursement Motives
T-Mobile is “concerned” language in the FCC draft reimbursement order appears to question the carrier’s motives for advocating low-power TV stations that received repacking funds from third parties be eligible for federal reimbursement, T-Mobile said in meetings and calls with…
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aides to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, aides to Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Jessica Rosenworcel, and Incentive Auction Task Force Chair Jean Kiddoo, recounted a filing in docket 18-214. Jenner & Block attorney Howard Symons, former IATF vice chair, represented T-Mobile. The draft order declines to pay out reimbursement funds to such LPTV stations (see 1902220062), and says the proposal would amount to reimbursing T-Mobile. The carrier “stepped forward” to reimburse the LPTV stations, and has been recognized by the agency for doing so, the company said. The stations should be reimbursed as long as they certify they aren’t receiving double payments, said T-Mobile. The carrier asked the agency to make clear LPTV stations that received third-party funds are eligible to receive reimbursement dollars for expenses not covered by that pay-out.