MARTIN REBUFFED ON INCLUDING 2.5 GHZ IN SPRINT-CLEARWIRE TEST

摘要

The other FCC commissioners have rejected Chairman Kevin Martin's proposal for a revised spectrum screen in the order approving the WiMAX merger of Sprint Nextel and Clearwire. An order circulated by Martin proposed adding EBS/BRS holdings to the types of spectrum the FCC includes in its screen, but the other four commissioners oppose that, commission officials said. So a revised screen probably won't be included in the order, set for a vote Tuesday. The FCC performs a detailed competitive analysis of markets where merging companies have 95 MHz or more of cellular, broadband PCS, SMR and 700 MHz spectrum. The screen doesn't include the 2.5 GHz spectrum held by Sprint and Clearwire. The new Clearwire partnership would have 112.5 MHz of EBS spectrum nationwide, AT&T said a July filing asking the FCC to update the spectrum screen. The proposed order circulated by Martin would approve the transaction, but a revised screen could hurt future deals, commissioners fear. nnClearwire's highest executives met with Martin and his top advisers about the deal, the company said in a filing. "Clearwire described the substantial benefits of the proposed transaction, including the potential New Clearwire's alternative broadband platform to increase competition, offer consumers more choices, stimulate innovation, and enhance U.S. leadership in wireless broadband technology and deployment." Clearwire warned Martin that "the current status of the financial markets" could mean the companies could have trouble closing the deal if a vote is delayed, the company said in the filing. Clearwire officials repeated their opposition to including 2.5 GHz spectrum in a spectrum screen. Clearwire also reported on similar meetings with the four other commissioners and their legal advisers.