M2Z Networks said it has submitted evidence to the FCC to confirm that no further interference testing is needed to auction off the AWS-3 spectrum, which will be designed for an operator willing to offer free broadband wireless services. T-Mobile has been a vocal opponent of the plan, saying the FCC is rushing into an auction without adequately testing for potential interference. T-Mobile is the largest spectrum holder in the adjacent AWS-1 band and is concerned about interference. M2Z and T-Mobile have been trading barbs over the issue. M2Z says its latest filing with the FCC specifically rebuts the false assertions of T-Mobile based on its recent test, but also provides reference to two recent additional tests on the exact same interference scenarios that were conducted by the International Telecommunications Union and the United Kingdom's spectrum regulator, Ofcom. The recent tests also contradict T-Mobile's assertions.
According to M2Z, the fact that T-Mobile and the other carriers are now seeking an additional fifth round of testing on mobile to mobile interference issues without addressing any of the countervailing evidence in front of the FCC is further proof that these large phone companies are using "interference testing" as a veiled attempt to prevent nationwide broadband competition. The FCC wants to create a 25-megahertz swath of spectrum that would support a nationwide license. The AWS-3 spectrum would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service, install a network-based Internet filtering system to block pornography and allow open access to third-party devices and applications.
For more:
- check out this release
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M2Z: T-Mobile's interference argument over AWS-3 spectrum flawed. M2Z story
T-Mobile takes M2Z to task over AWS-3 auction arguments. T-Mobile story