Verizon Wireless this week defended its pending purchase of $3.6 billion worth of spectrum from the nation's top cable companies in a lengthy filing with the Federal Communications Commission.
A group of 10 companies and public interest groups, however, were irked that Verizon's filing contained so much redacted information, and called on the FCC to put its review on hold until Verizon submits unredacted documents.
"As an institutional matter, the Commission cannot allow Verizon and the cable companies to make unilateral determinations that certain information is not relevant to the Commission's public interest determination or is too sensitive to be sufficiently protected by Commission safeguards," according to a letter that was signed by execs from T-Mobile, DirecTV, and Sprint, as well as organizations like Public Knowledge and Free Press, among others.
The companies and groups asked the FCC to stop its informal 180-day "shot clock" that usually applies to mergers and acquisitions that the commission reviews.
Verizon, meanwhile, argued that its detractors arguments are "hyperbolic."
In January, Verizon announced plans to purchase 122 Advanced Wireless Systems (AWS) spectrum licenses from SpectrumCo, LLC, a joint effort from Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks.
The companies involved also signed agreements to sell each others' products and services. Comcast could bundle Verizon Wireless service with one of its packages—get Xfinity triple play plus Verizon Wireless mobile service for one price, for example. Similarly, Verizon Wireless could offer its customers access to Comcast, Time Warner, or Bright House cable and digital phone service in areas where FiOS is not available.
Two weeks ago, T-Mobile and several consumer groups asked the FCC to stop Verizon from purchasing that spectrum, arguing that the deal poses "a clear threat to competition" and urged the commission not to "rubber-stamp these questionable transactions."
In its response, however, Verizon said concerns about competition "can be quickly rejected."
"T-Mobile's advocacy is in direct conflict to its own CEO's congressional testimony last year: 'The U.S. wireless marketplace is very competitive. Approximately three-quarters of Americans today live in areas contested by at least five facilities-based wireless providers,'" Verizon argued.
Furthermore, "the transactions will do nothing to harm this competition at the national level," Verizon said. "Customers will have the same competitive choices post-transaction as they do today, and will enjoy the same positive trends detailed above."
Ultimately, Verizon said, critics are just concerned about their own business. "Applicants who, while professing concerns about diminished competition, are truly concerned by the enhanced competition and consumer choice that the Commercial Agreements will bring."