T-Mobile asks for temporary authority to use its new 2.5 GHz spectrum

Although T-Mobile paid $304 million for 7,156 licenses of 2.5 GHz spectrum in 2022's summer auction, it now finds itself in the awkward position of not being able to deploy this spectrum. The reason is that Congress recently allowed the Federal Communications Commission's auction authority to lapse. And the FCC says it cannot issue licenses for the 2.5 GHz spectrum to T-Mobile until its auction authority is reinstated. One could speculate that the FCC is putting T-Mobile in the middle of this issue because it would like the help of T-Mobile’s lawyers and lobbyists to get the FCC’s auction authority renewed. Recently, T-Mobile filed an application with the FCC asking for special temporary authority (STA) to deploy its newly purchased 2.5 GHz spectrum in specific geographic areas. It appears that T-Mobile is asking for permission to deploy in nearly all 2,724 counties where it won 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses. T-Mobile said its request will serve the public interest, especially by providing wireless service in many rural and underserved areas. In regard to the FCC’s auction authority, T-Mobile said it believes the FCC still has the authority to grant the 2.5 GHz licenses since the auction of the spectrum has already concluded. Nevertheless, in the meantime, while Congress deals with the FCC’s auction authority, T-Mobile is petitioning for the STA due to “extraordinary circumstances.”