AT&T and a handful of other carriers today asked the FCC to consider a new way to define designated entities and small businesses in spectrum auctions moving forward.
The proposal follows Dish Networks’ use of designated entities — or small companies — to bid for spectrum in the AWS-3 auction on its behalf. The small companies qualified for a discount of $3 billion on Dish’s $13.3 billion in spectrum winnings. AT&T and others are not happy about how Dish participated in the auction.
“We envision a designated entity program that redefines ‘small business’ in a way that is more aligned with the structure of the modern wireless industry and that seeks to benefit true small entities — many of which operate in rural America.”
AT&T thinks any incentives offered to small businesses in future auctions should be limited to $10 million, an amount AT&T says “will provide a meaningful benefit to the very types of business the program is designed to benefit while ensuring policymakers that those who seek to abuse the program will not be rewarded.”
AT&T also wants to be sure auction winners use their spectrum. Dish Networks owns vast troves of spectrum that it has yet to do anything with. AT&T’s proposal includes suggestions for an aggressive build-out once spectrum licenses are assigned so auction winners don’t sit on their spectrum. The FCC has not responded publicly to AT&T’s proposal.
