U.S. FCC denies new limits on AT&T, Verizon in 2016 auction

People pass by a T-Mobile store in the Brooklyn borough of New York June 4, 2015.

/Brendan McDermid

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to reject a T-Mobile US Inc request that more airwaves be set aside for smaller wireless companies like itself to bid on during a government auction next year.T-Mobile's petition had sought stricter limitations for AT&T Inc's and Verizon Communications Inc's participation in the auction of low-frequency airwaves, which are highly prized for their strength and reach. previously reported that agency staff had found existing restrictions were sufficient to ensure that smaller carriers are given a chance to outbid AT&T and Verizon, which already dominate those low frequencies. (Reporting by Alina Selyukh; Editing by Susan Heavey)