The Competitive Carriers Association this week called for federal regulators to develop uniform procedures for spectrum licensing as the government works toward freeing up unused 700 MHz spectrum.
The group, which represents smaller and rural carriers, wrote in comments to the Federal Communications Commission that the agency should establish flexible relicensing for 700 MHz spectrum but work toward a standard licensing policy with a straightforward application process.
Those measures, the group said, would ensure that CCA members have sufficient spectrum access to deploy next-generation services — and prevent “spectrum warehousing” by industry leaders Verizon and AT&T.
CCA officials added that although they support the FCC’s goals for 700 MHz spectrum, its policies must enable carriers to “determine the best methods for demonstrating coverage in their service area.”
“Competitive carriers must have access to low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum not only to deploy next-generation mobile broadband and, eventually 5G networks, but also to meet consumers’ ever-increasing demand for data,” CCA President Steven Berry said in a statement.
Filed Under: Telecommunications (spectrums)