The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened the door for Verizon to use additional spectrum to aid the operator in meeting increased demand for mobile broadband across the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The FCC said it granted Verizon’s request for additional capacity so the phone company could meet subscribers’ increased demand for internet service on their phones. The emergency authority for the additional spectrum lasts 60 days.
FCC chairman Ajit Pai described wireless services as a vital part of connectivity, “and this has never been truer than during this crisis, when so many people are turning to telework, remote learning and telehealth options.”
Verizon is the latest operator in the US to tap additional spectrum to meet demand, after T-Mobile US gained access to 600MHz bands held by broadcasters and US Cellular was cleared to use more AWS-3 spectrum.
Under the new agreement, Northstar Wireless LLC and SNR Wireless LicenseCo will temporarily loan their AWS-3 spectrum licenses to Verizon at no cost "in order to provide additional capacity to Verizon customers across the country," according to the FCC.
"I want to thank Northstar and SNR for their willingness to allow this use of the spectrum for which they hold licenses," FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement. "I'm also grateful to Verizon for seeking out ways to meet increased consumer demand."
Verizon said it has been able to manage the data traffic, but it has seen increases in areas considered coronavirus “hot spots,” including Seattle and Westchester County, N.Y., near New York City.
The FCC's authorization is only valid for the next 60 days.
