FCC angers small carriers by helping AT&T and Starlink buy EchoStar spectrum

Separately, a group representing rural mobile carriers criticized the approvals, saying the FCC ignored competition concerns raised by small wireless operators. The spectrum sales “continue the troubling pattern of spectrum aggregation that disadvantages rural wireless providers, stifles competition in the wireless marketplace, and hinders the deployment of wireless services—particularly in the hardest-to-serve rural areas,” the Rural Wireless Association said. While Starlink isn’t a wireless carrier, it is looking to dominate the emerging market for Direct-to-Device (D2D) systems that use low Earth orbit satellites to provide service on standard mobile phones. Meanwhile, AT&T’s purchase of EchoStar licenses continues the consolidation of spectrum with the three major carriers—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. “In approving the EchoStar/AT&T deal, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau erroneously asserts that the likelihood of competitive harm is low, dismissing concrete harms identified by rural wireless carriers, including reduced access to spectrum needed to expand service in rural markets and diminished competitive opportunities for rural and regional wireless providers,” the Rural Wireless Association said. Although the Rural Wireless Association objected to the approvals, it said there is still a chance for small carriers to get some spectrum licenses from EchoStar in future deals. …