C Spire Alleges that AT&T Tried to Strangle It
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Comments 12
May 31, 2012, 3:55 PM by Eric M. Zeman
C Spire Wireless has filed a federal anti-trust lawsuit against AT&T, claiming that the larger wireless network operator conspired with Qualcomm and Motorola to ruin its business. C Spire believes AT&T worked with the 3GPP to create the special Band Class 17, in which AT&T operates its LTE network. Though AT&T, C Spire, and others all use 700MHz spectrum for their LTE networks, devices cannot roam freely between the different band classes. C Spire uses Band Class 12 and Verizon Wireless uses Band Class 13. AT&T's Band Class 17 is incompatible with C Spire's spectrum. C Spire says Qualcomm threatened to withhold compatible devices if it moved forward with a petition asking the FCC enforce 700 MHz device compatibility. "This anti-competitive scheme has prevented C Spire Wireless from utilizing $192 million worth of Lower 700 MHz A block spectrum licenses acquired from the FCC at auction in 2008. We have asked the Court to stop this gross abuse of market power and to undo the harm AT&T and its co-conspirators have caused to consumers and businesses in our service areas. C Spire is also seeking damages for the harm suffered as a result of the defendants' conduct." AT&T hasn't responded publicly to the lawsuit.
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Why is the wireless industry an exception?
Several times a month I'm reading that carriers, customers and the FCC feel they have a right to use the resources of other wireless carriers for data and voice. No other industry in the USA that I am aware of is required to share the infrastructure they have invested billions of dollars in. To me it would be like telling Comcast and Time Warner Cable to put in place roaming agreements to allow any internet / voice customer have access at any cable outlet in the USA. I understand that emergency are the exception but I don't understand why carriers that have built their systems to cover the entire US have to allow non-emergency data, text and calls from carriers that do not. If it is a question of spectrum, then the FCC needs to develop a pla...
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+ a billion. I also don't know why wireless is an exception. I have time warner and no other options for cable TV. Why won't the FCC step in and help me? I only have on gass/electric provider. C'mon FCC why arent you helping? Other carriers should be...
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Would it be like telling AT&T (Old Ma Bell) that it had to allow other long distance companies access to it's telephone lines?
If the carriers do not like the rules which they have agreed to abide by, they can always get out of the telecommunicat...
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C Spire needs to be strangled
Whoever heard of a carrier where you cannot change your phone or ESN online. And they charge $5 ($10 if they can get away with it) to do an ESN change over the phone. If you want to play with the big boys, then grow up and act like one. IMO C Spire continues to act like a back woods carrier and no one will take them seriously until they change thier near sightedness and fear of the general population.
This must be the definition of trolling. What the hell does any of that have to do with this article?
C Spire SHOULD hold Qualcomm responsible.
Yes, yes, yes. Verizon and Alltel do not want to allow C Spire's customers to roam on their LTE networks. Of course, they would prefer to starve C Spire and watch its customers leave for a carrier with a native Nationwide footprint. Qualcomm is the true culprit. Just make a chip which accesses all three bands of LTE. As soon as someone else muscles in then Qualcomm will want to sue them. JUST DO IT!
Don't know where that came from. C Spire no longer has Alltel to use anymore, thanks to the FCC allowing Verizon to break its original agreement. Boy, money sure greases palms well, eh?
Good job C Spire!!!!
Nice... I hope the underdog wins this one!!!!
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