VZW Swap

[grapkoski]

Not sure if this has a separate thread, but it looks like the FCC is slowly working on the spectrum swap with big red.

 

Found this docket on FCC's ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/filings?proceedings_name=16-175&sort=date_received,DESC

 

Haven't found the equivalent for T-Mo yet.

[grapkoski]

From the 'general information request' it looks like the Ohio markets have sparked some questions:

 

On page 2 of the Public Interest Statement, the Applicants maintain that the proposed transaction would lead to “more efficient operations that would result from larger blocks of contiguous spectrum, allowing both service providers to provide more robust services to meet the needs of their customers, by providing additional spectrum capacity in certain markets to help meet the demands of their customers for broadband wireless services” and “n the case of BTA 444, Sprint’s total attributable spectrum holdings increase 5 MHz as a result of the proposed transaction.” Our review indicates that in those seven counties in all or parts of three CMAs – CMA 48 (Toledo, Ohio), CMA 585 (Ohio 1 – Williams), and CMA 586 (Ohio 2 – Sandusky) in which Sprint would realize a net gain in its PCS spectrum holdings, it would hold a maximum of 230.5 megahertz of spectrum in total post-transaction.

a. Provide a detailed description of how the Company would use the spectrum that it would acquire under the Proposed Transaction on a standalone basis and/or in conjunction with any other of the Company’s spectrum holdings, and how it would improve spectrum capacity and efficiency of operations.

b. Provide a detailed explanation of why this additional aggregation of spectrum is necessary to provide the Company’s customers with broadband wireless services, and why this additional aggregation of spectrum above the general spectrum screen does not raise any competitive concerns.

 

Sprint submitted a draft response on June 20, 2016 (meeting the FCC's request) and a final response by July 19, 2016. Hopefully, we are getting close!

[Joski1624]

Toledo and Sandusky have had a 10x10 B25 LTE carrier for at least the past year, so I'm curious why they would want more. I tried looking at the PDF doc, but it won't download for some reason.

[grapkoski]

Toledo and Sandusky have had a 10x10 B25 LTE carrier for at least the past year, so I'm curious why they would want more. I tried looking at the PDF doc, but it won't download for some reason.

 

Besides more efficient use of the spectrum, I believe they would be able to up their B25 carrier to 15mhz when the trades take place. It's an easy win that only requires paperwork, software updates and minimal truck rolling (if at all). 

 

Wall article: http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/entry-407-not-just-with-att-sprint-swaps-spectrum-with-t-mobile-and-vzw-too/

[RAvirani]

Besides more efficient use of the spectrum, I believe they would be able to up their B25 carrier to 15mhz when the trades take place. It's an easy win that only requires paperwork, software updates and minimal truck rolling (if at all).

 

Wall article: http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/entry-407-not-just-with-att-sprint-swaps-spectrum-with-t-mobile-and-vzw-too/

I thought equipment was only certified for up to 10x10?

[grapkoski]

I thought equipment was only certified for up to 10x10?

 

Hmm, I thought that only applied to legacy LTE devices and not the tower equipment.

[ingenium]

I thought equipment was only certified for up to 10x10?

I think it is, but the hardware is capable of 15x15. They just need to submit it to the FCC for approval, then push out a software update.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P

[RAvirani]

I think it is, but the hardware is capable of 15x15. They just need to submit it to the FCC for approval, then push out a software update.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P

Yea, that's what I meant. They might as well certify up to 20x20 this time because IIRC the equipment is capable and it will save them a lot of hassle in the future.

[Joski1624]

I believe Columbus is doing 10X10+5x5 and load balancing between the two carriers currently.  I would imagine that the same might happen for NW Ohio until the equipment approvals for more than 10x10 happen.

[RAvirani]

I believe Columbus is doing 10X10+5x5 and load balancing between the two carriers currently. I would imagine that the same might happen for NW Ohio until the equipment approvals for more than 10x10 happen.

Can't wait for that here in Seattle.