COMMISSION DOING COMPETITIVE ANALYSES IN SPECTRUM TRANSFERS

摘要

The FCC issued an order clearing purchases by Verizon Wireless and Union Telephone of C-block licenses in this year's 700 MHz auction. The order said the commission will do a market-by-market competitive analysis of spectrum bought by carriers in future auctions. The studies will be like those done after spectrum licensees are taken over by other companies. Chairman John Dingell, D-Mich., of the House Commerce Committee had asked FCC Chairman Kevin Martin during an April hearing on the 700 MHz auction why the FCC examines spectrum holdings in merger reviews but not before awarding spectrum licenses bought at auction. nnMartin surprised other commissioners by circulating an item that would have put the C-block licenses bought by Verizon Wireless and Union through a full competitive analysis, FCC sources said. The general counsel's office objected, raising procedural questions. As the Nov. 4 FCC meeting approached, Martin circulated a revised order saying the commission would be analyzing impact on competition but not applying that analysis as it would during a merger. Verizon Wireless did agree to a single divestiture: Cellular market area 551 in New Jersey. The order was approved by the FCC on circulation. According to the order, based on the 95 MHz screen that the FCC has used in mergers, Union Telephone had spectrum holdings in one market requiring further review and Verizon Wireless spectrum in 17 markets.