Sprint CTO Stephen Bye is calling out AT&T and Verizon Wireless on their claims that reclassifying Internet service providers under Title II will chill network investment.
Speaking with Reuters, Bye said that Sprint’s competitors will keep on investing in their networks and so the argument they’re presenting is a “situation that won’t play out.”
AT&T, Verizon and other broadband internet providers along with regulators including FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai have blasted the proposal to treat ISPs like utilities. Chief among the arguments against the plan is its potential to stifle network investment and ultimately lead to slower broadband speeds for consumers.
AT&T and Verizon have indicated they will appeal in court.
Sprint, however, has taken a much more relaxed stance on the potential new regulation.
Last month, Bye sent a letter to the FCC assuring the Commission that “light touch” Title II regulation wouldn’t harm continued investment in and deployment of mobile broadband services so long as mobile operators were allowed to flexibly manage their networks.
Bye told Reuters that recent spectrum purchases by Sprint competitors indicate no slowdown in network investment.
Bye pointed to the FCC’s record-setting $44.9 billion in revenue from the AWS-3 auction as proof that companies will continue to invest in improving speed and capacity of networks. AT&T spent $18 billion on the auction and Verizon spent around $10 billion, even with the specter of Title II looming.
Sprint did not participate in the auction though the carrier has indicated it’s interested in the 600 MHz auction planned for 2016.
Filed Under: Industry regulations + certifications