PCIA backs a joint proposal by T-Mobile and the Rural Telecom Gro...

A, B and C unchanged, the proposal calls for breaking the existing 30 MHz E Block at 1740-1755/2140-2155 MHz into 3 parts to create a 6th AWS license block. The proposal would let up to 6 entities acquire spectrum in different markets, making at least 20 MHz of spectrum available in each. “By allowing up to 6 market entrants, the FCC can further promote competition for advanced wireless services in the wireless marketplace,” PCIA said: “This would facilitate the Commission’s goals of technological innovation and foster additional investment in communications systems and infrastructure, providing more service choices to users.” PCIA also backed expansion of Block D at 1735-1740/2135-2140 MHz -- through getting 10 MHz (1740-1745/2140-2145 MHz) from current Block E -- to 20 MHz of spectrum for the smallest market areas (MSAs/RSAs), as T-Mobile and RTG proposed. “This auction methodology would permit largely rural carriers access to affordable, adequate spectrum for voice and advanced data services in market sizes suitable to their existing service footprints,” PCIA said. Breaking a 30 MHz block into 3 parts “provides for more attractive secondary market transactions, as auction winners could aggregate additional spectrum in smaller increments to supplement existing holdings,” the group said: “The joint proposal eliminates the potential for unnecessary transaction costs of purchasing unduly large spectrum blocks in the secondary market.” The T-Mobile/RTG also has support from U.S. Cellular, Ericsson, Nokia, SunCom Wireless, NTCA and Alcatel. Cingular supports only those parts of the proposal that would convert the D Block into a 20 MHz license by taking 10 MHz of spectrum from the E Block, and retain the RCA/MSA designation. Verizon Wireless proposed an alternative band plan that would boost the number of blocks to 6, shift the MSA/RSA license location and eliminate a 30 MHz license (CD June 1 p5).