Microsoft President Tells Wheeler of LTE-U Concerns

Microsoft is concerned that LTE-U may hurt other unlicensed uses in the 5 GHz band, said President Brad Smith and another representative in a phone call with FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the company said in filing posted Wednesday in docket 15-146. During Friday's conversation with Wheeler, Smith and Director-Government and Regulatory Affairs Paula Boyd sought to have at least three unlicensed channels designated nationwide in the TV bands after the incentive auction. Monday, Boyd and other cable and tech heavyweights like Comcast and Google shared with aides to FCC members their concerns about LTE-U hurting Wi-Fi (see 1510200048). LTE-U won't interfere with Wi-Fi, Qualcomm, a backer of the LTE technology, has said. Qualcomm declined further comment Wednesday.