Verizon Ex Parte 08/15:
Re: Ex Parte Notification, Verizon-Straight Path Transaction
ULS File No. 0007783428
Dear Ms. Dortch:
On August 11, 2017, Will Johnson and Greg Romano of Verizon, along with Verizon outside counsel Adam Krinsky and Straight Path outside counsel Russell Fox, met with Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (“WTB”) Chief Donald Stockdale and Nese Guendelsberger, Mary Claire York, Blaise Scinto, Simon Banyai, and Linda Ray (via telephone) of WTB.
We discussed Verizon’s pending application to acquire Straight Path licenses. Verizon recounted its ongoing 5G initiatives, including launching the 5G Technology Forum in 2015 to develop technical specifications, acquiring fiber (from Corning and Prysmian) and fiber networks (acquisitions of XO and WOW!) to support 5G, and trialing 5G commercial services in eleven markets this year. Verizon explained how the proposed transaction to acquire Straight Path licenses will drive investment and innovation in 5G and will advance U.S. interests in the
race to 5G.
Verizon also discussed the lack of harmful competitive effects that would result from the proposed transaction. Verizon notes here that the Department of Justice has already completed
its competition review of this transaction. And companies have announced plans to use varied spectrum bands for their 5G business plans – not just Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (“UMFUS”) spectrum. Indeed, a number of companies have touted plans to use low-band and mid-band spectrum for 5G. And the Commission plans to move quickly to free up much more spectrum at varying bands for 5G use. In any event, Verizon pointed out that with both Straight
Path and Nextlink licenses, it will hold less than a third of UMFUS spectrum on a nationwide MHz Pops basis, and it will hold less than 1250 megahertz of UMFUS spectrum in the vast
majority of markets. And the holdings are significantly smaller when adjusted to reflect Nextlink lessee Vivint’s bargain purchase option of a portion of Nextlink’s millimeter wave spectrum.
The parties submit this filing pursuant to Section 1.1206 of the Commission’s rules. Please contact the undersigned should you have any questions.
