Free Press Applauds FCC Action on Fallow AT&T Spectrum

WASHINGTON -- On Wednesday, the Federal Communications Commission approved a proposal that will enable AT&T to deploy mobile broadband services on its WCS band spectrum. Usage of this spectrum had been tied up in interference disputes because of its proximity to satellite radio spectrum. AT&T and XM-Sirius settled those disputes in June, and AT&T has reached agreements with several other WCS licensees to purchase much of the remaining spectrum in the band.

Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:

"The compromise between AT&T and XM-Sirius is a positive move for mobile broadband deployment, and we are pleased the FCC acted quickly to approve this proposal. Consumers are better off when carriers like AT&T utilize their existing spectrum instead of pursuing growth strategies that reduce competition and choice.

"Today's decision also demonstrates, once again, that the talk of a spectrum crunch is more rhetoric than reality. We need policies that encourage efficient use of existing holdings and address the very real competition crisis Americans face every day."