US regulator the FCC is set to review how much spectrum operators are able to hold, creating a policy debate “with broad implications for the wireless industry”, according to Bloomberg.

The watchdog will vote next month on a proposal to set new rules for the sale of holdings between operators, the paper said. It has recently had to review transactions involving Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA, Leap Wireless and a number of cable companies.

The report suggests that among the issues likely to be raised is whether lower-frequency spectrum, which has advantages in terms of propagation, should be treated differently than other allocations.

A proposal will be circulated by commission staff which, if approved by the FCC heads, will be distributed for industry comment – a process that “could take months”.

Alternatively, the FCC may opt to continue reviewing transactions on a case-by-case basis.