FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler questioned Wednesday whether AT&T...
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler questioned Wednesday whether AT&T would really sit out the TV incentive auction if the agency impose bidding restictions, as suggested by a top official at the carrier last week (CD April 17 p1). “Anybody who has…
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advocated so hard for additional spectrum, it would be hard to conceive of not participating” in the auction, Wheeler said during a news conference after the commission’s meeting: “They've made a really good case as to why there’s a need for more spectrum.” Wheeler was also asked if he considers the wireless industry competitive. Under Wheeler’s predecessor, Julius Genachowski, the FCC in annual wireless competition reports repeatedly declined to find that the wireless industry is effectively competitive. “That is always a question that is in flux and always a question that you want to be asking and interpreting,” he said. “What we are trying to do is to make sure that there is sufficient spectrum so that there can be sufficient competition.” AT&T Chief Financial Officer John Stephens indicated Tuesday AT&T has not made any decisions on the auction (CD April 23 p21).