Stephenson: AT&T would accept limits to spectrum purchases during incentive auctions

AT&T is open to rules for the 600 MHz broadcast TV spectrum incentive auctions that would limit how much spectrum any one carrier could acquire, but wants such rules applied evenly, according to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson.

Stephenson said it was very wise that Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler decided to push the start of the auctions back to mid-2015. But he said it is "still going to be a heroic effort to get this put together," because the auction involves incentivizing broadcasters and carriers to participate. "We would be supportive of rules around the auction that would limit the amount of spectrum any one company could garner," Stephenson said, as long as "everyone is bound" to that rule. The AT&T chief added that "the more restrictions you begin to put on the auction participants" the more it will drive down the revenue the auction will produce, and the more it will increase the risk of an auction failure.