OPASTCO said bill (S-2075) by Sen. Baucus (D-Mont.) could improve...
OPASTCO said bill (S-2075) by Sen. Baucus (D-Mont.) could improve ability of small wireless carriers to participate in competitive auctions if “significantly amended.” Bill would require FCC to award at least one license to rural service area “or similarly…
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sized geographic area” when more than one license in single block of spectrum was available. OPASTCO Pres. John Rose said Mon. in letter to Baucus that while bill promotes small company access to spectrum, it contains loophole that could allow large carriers to own “more than 25% of an auction participant who is a small business, rural telephone company, or a minority or woman-owned business.” OPASTCO recommends Baucus insert requirement in bill that would force FCC to adopt methods preventing such ownership by large companies. Association also would like changes in bill to create 2-phase licensing process similar to what FCC uses for cellular unserved markets. Rose said process would require FCC to determine whether wireless service has been deployed in rural areas during phase I before allowing carrier to deploy in larger market area during phase II.