AT&T: Supporting Public Safety Through Effective Spectrum Policy

In the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2012 , Congress made provisions to secure up to $7 billion to fund the deployment of the first nationwide public safety broadband network, or FirstNet. This funding, however, only becomes available upon the successful implementation of the broadcast TV incentive auction, which to succeed must generate proceeds far in excess of the costs associated with paying broadcasters to give up their spectrum, the costs of relocating the remaining broadcasters, and the administrative costs of running the auction.

Indeed, the incentive auction cannot be considered successful unless it raises sufficient revenue to fund FirstNet, as recently recognized by five FCC Commissioners at a Senate hearing. In considering auction rules, the Commission should adhere to the statutory mandate to conduct an open and competitive auction that allows all bidders to fully compete. The carriers that place the highest value on the spectrum will win the licenses, and history tells us that all carriers can be successful. In the last major auction in which T-Mobile participated, it won more spectrum than either Verizon or AT&T. This approach offers the best prospect for a successful auction that meets all of Congress‘s stated goals, including freeing up the maximum amount of spectrum for mobile broadband use, reducing the deficit, and funding a nationwide public safety network. It also would ensure all the consumer benefits that will flow from putting spectrum to its best and highest use.