Verizon wants to use unlicensed frequencies known as LTE-Unlicensed or simply LTE-U, but Google, Microsoft and Comcast are against the wireless carrier's plans, saying that the technology will interfere with current Wi-Fi systems.
According to Bloomberg, the three have been making efforts to postpone the implementation of LTE-U, as the frequencies it uses are the same with Wi-Fi, which is why it'll potentially disrupt existing networks. They have been lobbying the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to delay the technology for a couple of months now.
Each company declined to comment about the matter, alternatively pointing out a filing back on Oct. 23 to the FCC.
"[LTE-U] has avoided the long-proven standards-setting process and would substantially degrade consumer Wi-Fi service across the country," the statement reads.
On the other hand, Verizon says that is has made substantial research to support the technology. On top of that, Qualcomm has already been producing LTE-U chipsets, which can reportedly function alongside other technologies.
Also, Verizon isn't alone in the struggle to roll out LTE-U, as T-Mobile has been testing the technology in select malls and sports sites.
The decision all boils down to FCC, but the organization seems to want to avoid involvement from the issue, leaving the matter in the hands of the technology companies.
"Folks, you've got to come together and resolve this in a broad-based standard," Tom Wheeler, FCC chairman, says.
Aside from the trio, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision also share the same sentiment toward LTE-U, agreeing to the fact that the technology could damage Wi-Fi systems.
Even though the FCC is letting the companies sort things out by themselves, Neil Grace, an FCC spokesperson, says that the association will "step in" if necessary.
The companies against the application only want LTE-U to undergo due process before it's adopted, especially in the cases of Google and Comcast, as they will be rolling out services that heavily rely on Wi-Fi. They want to make sure that the technology won't interfere with the plans they have.
It would be interesting to see how things will turn out or how the companies will work together regarding the issue, but for now, Verizon is facing some pretty tough opponents in carrying out LTE-U.
