Verizon, AT&T blast Dish's AWS-3 interoperability proposal as too little, too late

Verizon Wireless and Dish Network are battling over whether the forthcoming auction of AWS-3 spectrum should include rules that require interoperability with Dish's AWS-4 airwaves.

The debate comes on the eve of a Federal Communications Commission vote on spectrum licensing rules for the AWS-3 auction. Verizon argues that there has not been enough time to study whether an interoperability requirement is feasible, while Dish argues such a requirement would allow it to deploy its spectrum to more easily and enhance its desire to bid for AWS-3 spectrum.

The FCC will vote on the rules for the AWS-3 auction during its March 31 open meeting. The FCC is proposing to auction the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, and 2155-2180 MHz bands, collectively known as AWS-3.