The FCC's conditions target Verizon's actual use of the frequency space it will acquire and should help answer claims from competitors that, once acquired, Verizon might not put it to use.

"If commenters' concerns are accurate that Verizon Wireless does not need the spectrum it is acquiring, at least in the near term, and the result is that Verizon Wireless does not in fact put the spectrum to use, [Verizon's] asserted benefits would be undermined," the .

Therefore, the commission is requiring Verizon to offer advanced wireless services using the spectrum to at least 30 percent of populated areas covered by the frequency space within three years. Then, within seven years, service must be available to at least 70 percent of the population of the areas.

Reacting to the FCC's announcement, Verizon offered assurances that it intends to use the spectrum.

"This purchase represents a milestone in the industry and we appreciate the FCC's diligent work to review and approve the transaction," Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless, said in a statement. "We will work aggressively to ensure that we put this previously unused spectrum to use quickly to benefit customers."