The FCC is likely to discuss and possibly vote on Chairman Kevin Martin’s plan for a controversial AWS-3 spectrum auction next week. Details could emerge as soon as Monday at a press conference, an FCC spokesman said.
A meeting agenda, due by midnight tonight, was not yet released by press time.
The controversy stems from a disagreement between existing AWS-1 users and new AWS-3 supporters.
Several incumbent AWS-1 carriers and industry groups, most notably T-Mobile USA and CTIA, say there will be too much interference if the AWS-3 plan is allowed to transpire unchanged. However, startup M2Z Networks wants to use AWS-3 to offer free nationwide mobile WiMAX service. It says any interference will be inconsequential and that incumbents’ real agenda is to stonewall its business plan.
T-Mobile recently said it may file a lawsuit if the vote to allow the AWS-3 auction succeeds. M2Z CEO John Muleta, a former FCC executive, said his team is well qualified to understand and analyze the engineering issues related to interference.
