(The Register) – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) boss Tom Wheeler has proposed new rules for upcoming wireless spectrum auctions which will limit large telcos’ ability to snap up space meant for small carriers.
By entering smaller subsidiaries into the small business spectrum auctions, larger carriers are able to big for more of the available space. This was the tactic Dish used when it splashed $3bn on AWS-3 spectrum space.
“At our next Open Meeting, the Commission will vote on rules that would revamp our outdated spectrum auction bidding policies to help these entities better compete in today’s mobile marketplace,” Wheeler wrote.
“At the same time, our reforms will enhance the integrity of the FCC’s auctions and ensure large corporations can’t game the system.”