AT&T Wireless Pulls out of NextWave Re-auction

Alaska Wireless has notified the USA's telecoms regulator, the FCC that it will not be taking part in any re-auction of NextWave's radio spectrum licneses. Alaksa Wireless is a joint venture that is controlled by three Alaska Native Corporations -- Arctic Slope Regional Corp., Sealaska Corp. and Doyon, - but is financially backed by AT&T Wireless as a vehicle for entering the original NextWave auction.

Alaska Wireless had originally won 29 licenses in areas that AT&T Wireless wanted to expand its spectrum capacity.

"This consortium represents over 40,000 Alaska Native shareholders, and our participation in the FCC auction and acquisition of several licenses has served us well as an introduction to this new business area," said Jacob Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation.

Chris McNeil, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sealaska Corporation, noted: "We are extremely pleased with the assistance provided by Alaska's Senator Ted Stevens in developing these programs." Orie Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doyon, Limited, said, "Alaska Natives have been consistently recognized by Congress as a uniquely disadvantaged group, and the chance to work with a quality industry partner like AT&T Wireless, and to develop a presence in this industry, is very important for our shareholders."

The announcement comes one month after the FCC announced that, due to lengthy delays and changes of market conditions, it would allow winning auction bidders to withdraw their applications for licenses affected by the NextWave litigation."

Posted to the site on 5th December 2002