AT&T Tells FCC to Back Off on Zero Ratings Concerns…or Else

The FCC recently sent letters to major telecoms such as AT&T and Verizon, relating concerns about zero ratings services being bad for competition. The carriers told the Commission to back-off or potentially face consequences from the incoming Trump administration.
 
Under zero ratings, carriers essentially offer certain services to consumers that don’t count against their data limits; those can include video programming using services like DirecTV that AT&T is offering, Inside Towers has reported. Verizon handles its Go90 streaming service the same way.

The issue is major telecoms that own the majority of the networks providing internet connections can afford to remove data charges while streaming; other companies that have to pay the charges to provide the same streaming service cannot. Continue Reading

Town Violated “Shot Clock Order” Federal Court Decides

The case of Up State Tower Co., LLC v. Town of Kiantone ended when the district court in New York state decided the town interfered with the deployment of wireless services, but it offers little clarity for the situation. Up State Tower Co. sought to provide a cell tower for the area’s consumers over a year ago. After a ten-month battle, the court ruled the Town of Kiantone violated Section 332(c)(7)(B)(ii) of the Communications Act, which establishes tower applications should be acted upon within 150 days of submission. Continue Reading

China Tower Corporation with Over 1M Towers Goes Public Soon

When wireless infrastructure company China Tower Corporation is listed publicly by early 2017, one network operator is expected to get a bigger boost than others—China Unicom, reports the South China Morning Post. Last October, the Wall Street Journal reported the tower company was formed by the three largest carriers in the country, China Mobile Ltd., China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd and China Telecom Corporation transferring their assets to the joint venture.  China Telecom was leasing 550,000 towers, or 55 percent of its total, from China Tower according to mobileworldlive.  

China Mobile leases one million towers, or 30 percent of its total from the state-owned joint venture.
The carriers said the move will enhance network coverage and save on capital expenditure for constructing telecom towers, which hold equipment for their mobile networks, the Journal said. Continue Reading

Sprint to Double Spectrum Leaseback Transaction Amount

Last October, Sprint announced its plan to sell $3.5 billion worth of spectrum and then lease that same spectrum to pay off “higher interest bearing loans.” This week, the company announced it will increase that transaction from $3.5 billion to $7.0 billion, reports Yahoo Finance.  

The initial spectrum leaseback deal was made to free up cash for the company and “ease some of the liquidity pressure on its balance sheet.” With this recent increase, the carrier is now planning to sell some 14 percent of its spectrum assets. Continue Reading

AT&T Pushing for Speedier Approval/Denial Period in Ohio

AT&T wants an expedited process for small cell technology in Ohio, but lawmakers are in opposition to the proposed time constraint.

Initially, AT&T wanted water towers and power lines to be included in the usual small cell antenna package of street lamps, traffic lights and poles. However, during the state’s recent legislative session, according to Cleveland.com, the wireless giant agreed not to include them. Instead, the company wants to speed up the 5G network application process to a 90-day approval or denial, which would allow communities to “block the installation of new wireless antennas.” Continue Reading

Union Strives to Make Inroads in Wireless Industry

 Last April, the industry watched as Verizon management squared off with 40,000 striking employees. The result was a small win for the Communications Workers of America (CWA), who was able to expand its reach to cover more of Verizon’s workers.

However, in general, unionization has been largely unsuccessful in the wireless industry, something the CWA is seeking to change. Last week, hundreds of CWA’s organizers met in San Antonio to strategize how to expand its power in the industry, reports Fortune.  See the statement from the CWA regarding the conference. Continue Reading

Wireless Industry Embraces Walden for House Energy and Commerce Chair

Congratulations have been pouring in for new House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden. The Oregon Republican previously chaired the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
 
“The House Energy & Commerce Committee plays a key role in helping ensure competitive carriers are able to compete and thrive in the industry, and Chairman Walden understands the importance of mobile broadband, especially in rural areas,” said Competitive Carriers Association President/CEO Steven Berry. “His understanding of the Universal Service Fund and role in crafting the legislation leading to the 600 MHz incentive auction will be an asset to the Committee and to Congress.” Continue Reading