Sprint's Euteneuer: We're looking at 600 MHz auction, but don't need to participate

Sprint is interested in participating in 2016's planned incentive auction of 600 MHz broadcast TV spectrum but does not feel absolutely compelled to take part, according to CFO Joe Euteneuer.

That's because of the improvements Sprint is seeing by deploying its 800 MHz and 2.5 GHz spectrum for LTE and the addition of Wi-Fi calling. "The 600 MHz auction is something we're looking at but not necessarily something we need to do," Euteneuer said. Two years ago, Euteneuer said, it would have been more of an imperative for Sprint to participate in the auction, which many in the industry think will be the last time low-band spectrum will be auctioned for the foreseeable future. Euteneuer's comments are notable because Sprint has been a vocal proponent of rule changes it wants the FCC make ahead of the auction. Sprint, along with T-Mobile, Dish Network, C Spire Wireless and a group of policy and public interest groups, recently forged a new alliance intended to pressure the agency to craft 600 MHz auction rules that they say will benefit smaller carriers and increase wireless competition. The coalition wants the FCC to reserve spectrum in the auction exclusively for smaller carriers -- up to 40 MHz, or at least half of the spectrum available in the auction. However, Euteneuer noted that by the end of 2015 Sprint expects its 800 MHz LTE network to be largely built out (except in some areas where its rebanding process is not yet complete). "We feel very, very good about our deployment there," Euteneuer said, pointing to the band's ability to penetrate buildings.