The Federal Communications Commission this week opened a docket on the $3.6 billion agreement that Verizon Wireless entered to purchase spectrum from a consortium of cable companies.
The same proceeding, WT Docket No. 12-4, also covers a $315 million spectrum deal between the wireless giant and Cox Communications.
Verizon Wireless, the cable consortium and Cox Communications have filed applications with the FCC seeking approval for the transfers of the spectrum licenses. The FCC said it hasn't accepted the applications for filing, but will issue a separate public notice or notices setting forth a pleading schedule once the FCC does so.
In early December, Verizon Wireless announced an agreement to purchase 122 spectrum licenses from SpectrumCo LLC, a joint venture among subsidiaries of Comcast Corp., Bright House Networks, LLC and Time Warner Cable Inc. The U.S. Department of Justice reportedly is investigating the agreement. In a separate transaction, Verizon Wireless also is buying licenses from Cox, the cable television provider that is getting out of the wireless phone business.
Verizon Wireless, the largest mobile operator in the United States, has agreed to fork over billions for licenses at a time when regulators and lawmakers are grappling to find ways to free up more airwaves. Wireless executives, regulators and analysts have said the rapid increase in the number of smartphones, tablet computers and other wireless devices is placing increasing burdens on mobile networks.
