CBA, T-Mobile Clash Over C-Band Clearing Routes
C-Band Alliance critics are anticompetitive, while T-Mobile says CBA’s C-band clearing plans run contrary to FCC precedent, according to rival docket 18-122 postings Thursday (see here and here). Opposition is motivated by some seeking to delay 5G deployment for competitive…
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reasons, such as the cable industry wanting to keep its broadband monopoly, CBA, Intelsat and SES representatives told Commissioner Mike O'Rielly. SES and Intelsat said they would cover "all reasonable costs" for any C-band transition by their customers or customers' customers, including broadcasters and cable operators. NCTA didn’t comment. The CBA said a combined T-Mobile/Sprint (see 1901310047), with ample mid-band spectrum for 5G, would like to keep others from accessing similar mid-band spectrum. T-Mobile said the FCC hasn't ever given new or expanded rights to incumbent licensees with the intention those rights would be then sold, contrary to what the CBA argued (see 1901020031). The carrier said precedent shows an auction would let market forces determine the value of C-band spectrum.