The FCC set the pleading cycle for T-Mobile’s...

The FCC set the pleading cycle for T-Mobile’s proposed $50 million buy of lower 700 MHz A-block licenses from CenturyLink subsidiary Actel. The companies contend the deal “would allow T-Mobile to expand its coverage and offer improved services to its customers,” said a Wednesday public notice (http://bit.ly/1qqzg5G). “The Applicants further contend that T-Mobile would become a stronger competitor in the subject markets and nationwide, which would enhance competition and improve the quality of services in the mobile wireless marketplace.” The deal would give T-Mobile 12 MHz of spectrum in 179 counties in all or parts of 50 cellular market areas, the agency said. After the buy, T-Mobile would hold 32-82 MHz of spectrum in each of those CMAs. According to the PN, T-Mobile does not own any spectrum below 1 GHz in those markets. Petitions to deny are due Sept. 3, oppositions Sept. 15 and replies Sept. 22. In April, T-Mobile wrapped up its $3.3 billion acquisition of low-band spectrum from Verizon, giving the carrier for the first time a significant amount of sub-1 GHz spectrum (CD April 24 p10). T-Mobile is widely expected to be a major player in next year’s TV incentive auction of 600 MHz spectrum.