Spectrum screen unlikely to happen anytime soon, says Tom Wheeler

Although he’d be all for it, former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler is doubtful that a new spectrum screen would be implemented anytime soon, including before upcoming 5G mid-band spectrum auctions. AT&T filed a petition in September 2021 asking the FCC to establish a mid-band spectrum screen, pointing to T-Mobile’s vast 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum holdings thanks in large part to its merger with Sprint. A spectrum screen is basically designed so that no single carrier ends up with an unfair competitive advantage due to the amount of spectrum it holds. Screens have been in place for years, but AT&T wants one that specifically addresses mid-band spectrum, which is increasingly important in 5G. Wheeler recalls when AT&T and Verizon were the targets of a spectrum screen ahead of the 600 MHz incentive auction, and ultimately, the FCC put a screen in place. For mid-band 5G, a spectrum screen should have been addressed by the Trump FCC when they were dealing with opening up the 3.45 GHz, according to Wheeler. Now, “I think it would be virtually impossible before the 3.45 [auction] and extremely difficult and hazardous before the 2.5, depending on when they schedule the auction,” he said.