RWA, WISPs Want Smaller License Sizes in Next High-Band Auction
Industry groups sought changes to FCC-proposed competitive bidding rules for the upper 37, 39 and 47 GHz auction, slated to start Dec. 10 (see 1904120058). The auction will be the FCC’s third of high-band spectrum for 5G. The agency proposes to sell the spectrum in relatively large partial economic area licenses. Comments were posted late last week in docket 19-59.
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The Rural Wireless Association warned that large license sizes will keep many smaller carriers from bidding. High-band spectrum intended for commercial use should be licensed using smaller geographic license areas, such as counties or even census block groups, as was originally proposed,” the group said: The larger license sizes means “some carriers will be forced to purchase license areas larger than the area they desire to serve, thereby overpaying.”
The Wireless ISP Association said as some WISPs target suburban and urban markets they will look for short-range, high-capacity spectrum. “Millimeter wave spectrum is particularly useful in densely populated areas, especially where other spectral resources may be congested,” the group said. WISPA warned that its members also can’t compete for the licenses if they are too large. Even with bidding credits, smaller providers may not be able to afford PEAs “even in relatively rural markets,” WISPA said. “Many areas may not receive any bids.” WISPs are also interested in the white spaces between licenses in the 39 GHz band, the group said.
T-Mobile, with less high-band spectrum than AT&T and Verizon, sought transparency. The carrier has sent mixed signals on how viable it thinks the millimeter-wave spectrum is for 5G. “Provide as much information as possible, as soon as possible, to bidders so that they can adequately prepare for the auction,” the company commented. Data file format specifications, including updates, “should be released before the filing window for short-form applications closes,” T-Mobile said. It said the regulator should lower the opening bid amounts for the 47 GHz band “to reflect the utility of the band relative to the Upper 37 GHz and 39 GHz.” T-Mobile also sought tweaks to the bidding procedures.
AT&T supported the rules in general, seeking a single tweak. During the assignment phase of the auction, the FCC proposes that companies must submit bids for all bidding options, as opposed to just feasible bidding options, the carrier noted. “The requirement that assignment round bids include infeasible options will increase the burden on bidders, especially smaller bidders, without any significant policy benefits.”
Verizon also sought tweaks. Lower the proposed upfront payments, while retaining proposed minimum opening bids, the carrier asked. Hold an assignment round “even if revenues from the clock phase do not exceed the net revenue requirement,” Verizon said. “Through this auction, the Commission will make a significant amount of millimeter wave spectrum available for 5G,” Verizon commented: “With the few tweaks proposed here, the Commission will set the stage for a fair, successful, and competitive auction.”
Fixed-wireless provider GeoLinks wants the FCC to consider making the “white spaces” in the 39 GHz band available for auction. It asked to remove the bidding credit caps “that will only serve to hamstring smaller providers from bidding against large providers.”