FCC grants Verizon, U.S. Celluar applications to assign spectrum licenses

The FCC released an Order approving the applications of Verizon Wireless (VZ) and United States Cellular Corporation (AD) for consent to assign certain spectrum licenses to Verizon Wireless.”In this Memorandum Opinion and Order, we grant the applications filed by Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless), and Array Digital Infrastructure Inc (Array) (formerly known as United States Cellular Corporation or UScellular) (Verizon Wireless and Array together, the Applicants), seeking Commission consent to assign several cellular, AWS-1, AWS-3, and PCS licenses from subsidiaries of Array to Verizon Wireless,” the FCC order reads. “We find that granting these applications serves the public interest. The proposed spectrum assignment does not trigger the Commission’s total spectrum screen, and while it triggers enhanced factor review in 98 local markets, we find, based on our careful evaluation, that the likelihood of competitive harm is low. We also find that the transaction would result in certain public interest benefits, including enhancing Verizon Wireless’s network coverage, capacity, and performance, resulting in a stronger ability to meet increasing customer demand and provide a better customer experience. Approval of this transaction, combined with upcoming mid-band auctions and recent approval of other transactions, continues this agency’s efforts to make additional spectrum available to facilities-based providers with the incentive and ability to build networks that benefit American consumers.”