US: Verizon tousles with trade group over spectrum scope

Verizon Wireless is reportedly quarreling with the Competitive Carriers Association, a group representing smaller wireless carriers in the nation, over the limits to spectrum reach.

The two are at odds with how much area spectrum licenses should cover when wireless operators purchase spectrum to be auctioned off next year.

The CCA is looking for small-to-medium caps on spectrum area caps, arguing the need to benefit smaller carriers that do not necessarily have the resources to bid on wide-area spectrum.

Spectrum that spreads over a large area, the CCA said, will effectively shut smaller carriers out of the 2015 auction.

But Verizon filed a notice with the Federal Communications Commission suggesting the use of large Economic Areas when the FCC licenses the spectrum blocks up for grabs. Further, Verizon is reportedly looking for regulators to allow carriers to bid on a group of spectrum blocks at once.

The wireless giant argues that spectrum area caps lead to higher costs for consumers and servicers.

Full Content: Fierce Wireless

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