Commenters United in Opposing T-Band Clawback

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance said there's no evidence a successful T-band auction is possible, urging the FCC lift the T-band freeze, in replies in docket 13-42. “Bidding in spectrum auctions typically is driven by commercial wireless providers such as nationwide or regional carriers, by cable operators, and by” wireless ISPs, EWA said: “There is no indication that the latter two categories have any interest in this spectrum. Commercial carriers have described in detail why such an auction should not be expected to produce revenue anywhere near the amount needed to fund even [public safety] relocation costs.” Other replies, which were due Tuesday, agreed an auction won’t work, consistent with initial comments (see 2009010023). Los Angeles “continues to hope that Congress will enact legislation to repeal the T-Band Claw back” and would “welcome any relief that the Commission might offer to preserve the … ability to rely upon the T-Band for our public safety needs,” the city said. The band “supports emergency communications for frontline emergency responders in eleven major metropolitan areas,” said the International Association of Fire Chiefs.