spectrum

Cox talks about mobile wireless play

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:38:02 -0500

Citing the adage that "contrarian investors buy straw hats in winter," Cox Communications Wireless Vice President Stephen Bye defended the cable operator's decision to plow full steam ahead with its own mobile wireless play in 2009 and explained how he believes a cable operator, on its own, can enter into a highly competitive market in a suffering economy. During an interview with FierceWireless contributing editor Jim Barthold, Bye touched on subjects such as spectrum, Cox's relationship with Sprint and how Cox is doing something different than what its cable brethren have done as part of a Clearwire WiMAX play. Article

Verizon gets hands on 700 MHz licenses without spectrum divestiture

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:13:00 -0500

The FCC gave its final blessing to the $4.7 billion worth of licenses Verizon Wireless won at the 700 MHz auction, and it refused Google's request that the FCC impose stricter conditions when it comes to the open-access requirements that are attached to Verizon's licenses. Google petitioned the FCC in May to obtain a guarantee from Verizon Wireless promising the operator will honor its commitment to open access.

Despite now owning more than 95 megahertz of spectrum in 17 markets after winning the licenses, the FCC concluded Verizon's ownership of that much spectrum wouldn't be anti competitive. In addition, the FCC said it wouldn't count spectrum won at future auctions toward the 95-megahertz threshold.

For more:
- read RCR Wireless News

Related articles:
How much spectrum do AT&T and Verizon have?
Could the 700 MHz auction trigger spectrum caps?
Google calls out Verizon Wireless' 'open' plans

White space: Dell to make laptops; Google downright giddy

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:52:33 -0500

Dell Computer said it would introduce new laptops with integrated white-space cards capable of transmitting signals in the unlicensed white-space spectrum the FCC opened up for broadband devices last week.

Last week the FCC unanimously approved the use of white-space devices, but added some conditions under which the devices would have to operate to prevent interference. The conditions the FCC imposed includes requiring both fixed and portable devices to include spectrum sensing and geolocation capabilities as well as use an FCC database of TV signals and location of venues such as stadiums and churches that use wireless microphones. These database and geolocation capabilities would, in theory, prevent interference with broadcast TV stations and wireless microphones and ensure compliance with FCC rules.

Meanwhile, Google, which has been lobbying the FCC heavily for approval of white-space devices and applications, is downright giddy about its white-space prospects. Google Co-founder Larry Page, during a keynote session on white spaces with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, repeatedly said he is optimistic about white-space devices and services and their ability to provide cheap wireless broadband. He predicts the majority of computers and mobile devices will have white-space capabilities within the next few years.

"We make most of our money on advertising on search, and there are a lot of times I can't easily do a Web search even with 3G or open WiFi networks," Page said. "If people can get easily connected anywhere [with white spaces], we can make 20 percent to 30 percent more money."

For more:
- read Cellular-News
- check out InformationWeek

Related articles:
FCC unanimously approves unlicensed white-space devices
Microsoft intensifies white-space lobbying efforts
Lawmakers jump into fray over white-space
Motorola, NAB press cases before FCC white-space vote

T-Mobile plans to file objection to FCC AWS-3 interference findings

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:23:00 -0400

T-Mobile says it has some options it can exercise in light of the FCC's conclusion that services operating in the proposed AWS-3 band can co-exist with T-Mobile's WCDMA network that uses the adjacent AWS-1 band without a significant risk of harmful interference.

T-Mobile has been the most vocal opponent of an FCC plan to auction a nationwide license in the AWS-3 band that would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service and allow open access to third-party devices and applications. M2Z has been lobbying the FCC to move forward with the auction plan.

"We're disappointed with those results obviously. The commission takes all this time and effort and lo and behold, they come up with the exact same results they came up with in May," T-Mobile's Kathleen Ham, vice president of regulatory affairs, told Wireless Week. "Obviously the chairman made up his mind but there are four other commissioners."

Ham said T-Mobile and others against the auction, which includes CTIA, plan to file a joint letter objecting to the FCC's findings. If the commission still votes to move ahead with an auction, then the objecting parties will consider litigation, she said. Ham also noted the possibility of an issue reconsideration by new FCC commissioners under the next president.

For more:
- check out Wireless Week

Related articles:
AWS-3, white spaces clear initial hurdles but will they survive?
FCC: AWS-3 band won't interfere with T-Mobile's WCDMA network
T-Mobile asks FCC to explain AWS-3 test results
AWS-3 spectrum debate festers
T-Mobile takes M2Z to task over AWS-3 auction arguments
T-Mobile, others say tests proved interference
M2Z: T-Mobile's interference argument over AWS-3 spectrum flawed

FCC to begin AWS-3 interference tests

Lynnette Luna — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:15:31 -0400

The FCC, champing at the bit to auction spectrum in the AWS-3 band for a nationwide broadband network that will offer free service, is sending its engineers to Seattle next week to commence tests that will determine whether signals coming from this band would interfere with T-Mobile's WCDMA network in the adjacent AWS-1 band. FCC engineers plan to use some of T-Mobile's own equipment to conduct the tests, and they will also set their own testing parameters.

The FCC wants to create a 25-megahertz swath of spectrum, known as AWS-3, that would support a nationwide license. The agency would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service, install a network-based Internet filtering system to block pornography and allow open access to third-party devices and applications. T-Mobile has been adamantly opposed to the plan, citing interference concerns. M2Z, which wants to bid on the spectrum, has been submitting filings saying T-Mobile's assertions are wrong.

For more:
- check out Cellular-News

Related stories:
M2Z: T-Mobile's interference argument over AWS-3 spectrum flawed
M2Z asks FCC to reject more AWS-3 interference tests
T-Mobile takes M2Z to task over AWS-3 auction arguments

Google steps up white-space lobbying efforts with new web site

Lynnette Luna — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:02:14 -0400

Google is stepping up its lobbying efforts in the white-space controversy. The search giant has launched a web site called, www.freetheairwaves.com, on which visitors can sign a petition urging the FCC to open up unused TV airwaves for super WiFi-like services that Google calls WiFi 2.0. The site clearly looks to get the common person involved in the debate, featuring You Tube videos that explain what white space is and urging the public to get involved.

"Remember that fuzzy static between channels on the old TVs? Today more than three-quarters of those radio airwaves, or "white space" spectrum, are completely unused. This vast public resource could offer a revolution in wireless services of all kinds, including universal wireless Internet," the web site states. "The FCC will soon decide whether to open this unused spectrum for general usage, and your voice matters--a lot. So if you agree that freeing the white spaces represents a vote for the future of the Internet, please sign our petition and help spread the word about this campaign."

Videos include testimony from Matthew Rantanen, director of technology for the Tribal Digital Village, which offers high-speed WiFi access to Native American communities in San Diego County, Calif., and three tribes in nearby Riverside. The big ISPs, Rantanen says, provide no service to these areas, "so we took it upon ourselves to take advantage of that and go get it ourselves." But while WiFi is a start, Rantanen explains, it only goes so far in these rural regions: "We need bigger pipe," he says. "White space opens that up. It drops the cost of end-user equipment. It increases the ability of us to broadcast, to not have intermediate repeating towers, to support going through a grove of trees." Users also can download their own YouTube video opinions on the issue.

The FCC is expected to report its findings on field tests it conducted this month of prototype white-space devices. Soon after, the commission is expected to take up the contentious issue of whether the spectrum can be used for unlicensed devices or whether they pose too much of an interference threat to television broadcasters and wireless microphone users.

Companies such as Google and Microsoft want to use this spectrum to develop new mobile communications devices. However, the initiative has raised the ire of the National Association of Broadcasters, which argues white-space devices may interfere with existing television broadcasts.

For more:
- check out Free The Airwaves
- read ARS Technica

Related stories:
FCC expected to release white-space findings next month. White space story
White space debate won't be resolved with field testing. White space editorial
Motorola exec: FCC white space testing going well. Motorola white space story

Public safety looks to make D-block reauction enticing to commerical operators

Lynnette Luna — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:26:23 -0400

The Association of Public Safety Officials (APCO) has submitted recommended technical changes to the FCC regarding the rules governing the re-auction of D-block spectrum, which failed to garner a bidder that was willing to plunk down the $1.3-billion reserve price during the 700 MHz auction earlier this year.

APCO believes the commission would create a greater financial incentive for a commercial operator to bid on the 10-megahertz block if that spectrum was coupled with another 10-megahertz of spectrum that is already allocated to public safety. Under that scenario, public safety would have priority access on no more than 50 percent of the network's capacity rather than 100 percent proposed the first time around. That would maximize the business opportunity for the commercial operator, noted Sean O'Hara of Syracuse Research in an article from Urgent Communications.

"This may seem like a concession," O'Hara of Syracuse Research said during a panel discussion at last week's APCO conference. "But, if this [network] is not built, we're not going to get to use more than that 10 megahertz anyway."

Recently, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said that the commission won't make a decision on whether to re-auction the 700 MHz D-Block spectrum or to auction the AWS-3 spectrum until at least September.

For more:
- read Urgent Communications

Related stories:
FCC says auction decision won't happen until September. Auction story
What does public safety do now? D-block editorial

India expected to auction 3G licenses soon

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:54:14 -0400

Wireless infrastructure vendors everywhere should be rejoicing. After years of delays, India appears close to awarding 3G licenses and new spectrum. Late last week, the country's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued guidelines for the auction and anticipates seeing 3G services commercially available in 2009. The auction is expected to begin in two months and finish by the end of they year. Article

AT&T considers WiMAX as copper replacement in U.S.

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:48:27 -0400

AT&T technology chief John Donovan told USA Today that the company is considering a range of technology solutions to replace traditional copper lines. At the top of the list is WiMAX, which Donovan said could work in some U.S. markets, especially in rural areas where it is most expensive to maintain copper.

AT&T has a substantial portfolio of 2.3 GHz spectrum in the U.S. and must cover 25 percent of the population by July 2010. Last August, AT&T Alascom deployed WiMAX in Alaska in the 2.3 GHz band using Alvarion equipment.

For more:
- read USA Today

Related story:
Alvarion's position in mobile WiMAX grows stronger. WiMAX article

France considers vacated analog TV spectrum for broadband

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:18:56 -0400

France is considering reserving part of the soon-to-be vacated analog TV spectrum for fixed and mobile broadband services. A French parliamentary commission recommended that the 790 MHz-862 MHz sub-band be dedicated to electronic communication in order to boost take-up of mobile and fixed broadband services. Article

CTIA opposes FCC's free wireless broadband plan

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:56:53 -0400

The comment deadline for the FCC's controversial plan to auction nationwide spectrum in the AWS-3 band that would require the winner to offer free wireless broadband services was Friday, and not surprisingly, T-Mobile and CTIA are openly opposing the plan.

The commission is proposing to combine the 2155 to 2175 MHz band with the 2175 MHz to 2180 MHz band to create a 25-megahertz swath of spectrum that would support a nationwide license. The spectrum is referred to as advanced wireless services-3 and would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service, install a network-based Internet filtering system to block pornography and allow open access to third-party devices and applications.

T-Mobile has already been vocal about its concerns over potential interference in the band since it is the largest licensee of AWS-1 spectrum. CTIA claims the FCC is not dealing in good faith with T-Mobile.

"How can the FCC expect investors and the carriers they fund to show up at future auctions and fully utilize their spectrum if they have no confidence that the FCC is an honest broker?" the CTIA said in a June 25 letter to the FCC. "Now the FCC is planning to pull the rug out from under those same licensees by developing new rules that will cause harmful interference to their customers."

Reply comments to the FCC are due Aug. 11.

For more:
-read eWeek

Related stories:
T-Mobile calls for delay of FCC's free wireless broadband initiative. T-Mobile story
Anxiety rises over FCC's AWS-3 auction plans. Auction story
Report: AWS-3 license would fetch $2.8B without FCC's condition. AWS-3 story

NAB takes white-space concerns to Congress

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:59:55 -0400

The National Association of Broadcasters fired another salvo against the idea of broadband services operating in the unlicensed white space spectrum, vacant airwaves next to TV spectrum. NAB warned Congress that allowing services in this spectrum could jeopardize the transition to digital TV, which is scheduled for completion by Feb. 19, 2009.

"For more than a year, these companies have tried to convince the Federal Communications Commission and members of Congress that they can make devices that will not cause interference to broadcasters, wireless microphone users and other parties that currently use this spectrum," said NAB President David Rehr in a letter to Congress. "Unfortunately, based upon the results of FCC testing to date, their technical prowess does not match their rhetoric."

Indeed, the FCC's testing of white space devices hasn't been without glitches. The FCC is still in the testing phase of these devices, however, and is keen on seeing the spectrum serve as a catalyst for broadband competition in the U.S.

NAB and a long list of other organizations, such as hospitals, entertainers and professional sports leagues, remain concerned about the use of white space spectrum. Google, Microsoft, Motorola and others are pushing the FCC to allow WiFi-like services in the spectrum.

For more on this story:
- read RCR Wireless News

Related stories:
Google's Page dismisses white space concerns. Google white space story
Google, Philips, Moto submit white space devices. White space device story

Voyant inks $2M white-space device deal

Thu, 29 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

The FCC isn't finished testing white space prototypes for possible interference but that isn't stopping a technology holding company from entering the market and inking a $2-million contract for the development and production of the first 3,000 white space radios. Voyant International announced that its contract with the unknown entity will see the company designing and delivering the devices over multiple years. The unnamed customer will use them for a variety of applications, including "green, energy-efficient, utility and power management."

White space spectrum represents more than 200 megahertz of vacant bandwidth in the adjacent TV airwaves and is the subject of vigorous debate as Google, Microsoft and others are pushing the FCC hard to allow broadband services in the spectrum. The broadcast industry opposes the move, saying it will threaten the transition to digital TV and cause interference. The CTIA meanwhile recommends auctioning off the unused broadcast spectrum, and a host of other industries are concerned about interference, including hospitals, entertainers and professional sports organizers. They fear interference with wireless microphones. During a recent speech in Washington, D.C., Google co-founder Larry Page discounted the broadcasters' view that using white space spectrum would cause interference, saying that there isn't any technical validity to that claim. The FCC has been testing several white space device prototypes and is expected to continue to trial devices.

Voyant is a digital media and technology holding company that will be entering the wireless space for the first time with this $2-million contract. The company says its strategy is to combine existing and new technologies with the company's substantial portfolio of intellectual property and domain knowledge in order to address emerging applications in the wireless sector. Don't be surprised to see others gravitating to the white space market now that Google has done a fine job publicizing it.

To find out more about Voyant's white space strategy:
- read this TMCnet article

Related stories:
- Sprint, T-Mobile advocate white space for backhaul. See this white space story
- CTIA, carriers join NAB against white space devices. Read this white space story
- FCC begins second round of white space testing. See this white space story

FCC seeks comments on D-block re-auction

Thu, 29 May 2008 06:59:53 -0400

The FCC has given a June 20 deadline for receiving comments on how it should reauction the D-block 700 MHz spectrum. The spectrum, reserved for public/private network, failed to receive the minimum bid amount during the recent 700 MHz auction.

Already, the FCC has received comments from the mobile industry, public safety and academics. Most comments focus on how D-Block rules can be crafted to attract bidders that have the funds to build and operate a national wireless broadband network serving public safety.

Top public-safety groups and some Congressional members have voiced support to continue with the public-private partnership idea, offering first responders priority access while serving the general consumer. It appears the reserve price, which was previously $1.3 billion, will likely be changed.

For more about the D-block spectrum:
- read this RCR Wireless News article

Related stories:
- Congress takes on failure of D-block auction. See this D-block auction story
- Frontline closes doors; D-block auction in question. Read this Frontline story

Will a spectrum auction requiring free broadband services work?

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has scheduled a vote on rules for another spectrum auction that would include 25 megahertz in the 2155 MHz to 2180 MHz band and would require the winning bidder to offer free broadband service under a strict buildout schedule. (See story No. 1)

The proposal is based on a number of proposals entities have floated over the years. Namely M2Z networks back in 2006 asked the FCC for free spectrum in that band to offer free broadband for the masses. The FCC subsequently denied all of the plans because they go against a principle established decades ago that the commission needs to grant spectrum via an auction.

The rules the FCC is looking at would stipulate a free service tier and would require the winning bidder to reach 50 percent of the population in four years and 95 percent of the population by the end of the license term.

How would the operator create a business plan out of these requirements? We can guess from M2Z's previous proposal. The company was planning to receive a return on its investment by offering access to the network on a wholesale basis. The company had also planned to offer a premium broadband service that would be faster than current DSL and cable speeds for which it would charge between $20 and $30 per month.

But that proposal was two years ago, when there wasn't the threat of Clearwire's WiMAX, new 4G networks in 2010 and failed muni-WiFi business models. Plus M2Z had proposed that the spectrum be free.

So the question is, would such an auction generate any interest? The intentions of such a network are noble, but it seems to be a risky business proposition given the fact that network operators build out their networks according to demand for their services. This could very well end up being another D-block auction if the FCC doesn't craft its rules carefully and offer a clear money-making path.--Lynnette

FCC mulling another spectrum auction

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has scheduled a vote on rules for another spectrum auction. And you thought there wasn't any more spectrum to be auctioned. This auction would include 25 megahertz in the 2155 MHz to 2180 MHz band and would require the winning bidder to offer free broadband service under a strict buildout schedule.

It's a similar plan to what M2Z Networks proposed back in 2006. The company asked the FCC for 25 megahertz of vacant spectrum in the 2155 MHz to 2175 MHz band to offer free wireless broadband service. The FCC subsequently dismissed M2Z's request. More recently, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced new legislation, known as the Wireless International Nationwide for Families Act, that would direct the FCC to auction unused spectrum, the 2155 MHz to 2180MHz band, and require the winner to offer a free wireless broadband network that reaches 95 percent of the U.S. population within 10 years.

"We've had a variety of proposals that had come into the commission originally where some people wanted us to give them the spectrum," said Martin in an RCR Wireless News article. The FCC chairman said a vote may be held at the agency's upcoming June 12 meeting, but added it is possible the measure could be approved before that date.

Martin said a licensee of the 2155-2180 MHz spectrum would have to provide a free service tier, and would have to reach 50 percent of the population in four years and 95 percent of the population by the end of the license term.

To read more about the FCC's auction plans:
- check out this article from RCR Wireless News

Related stories:
- Congresswoman proposes free wireless broadband. See this wireless broadband story
- M2Z Networks pushes broadband for the masses. See this M2Z Networks story

Google's Page dismisses white space concerns

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:59:54 -0400

Speaking at a New America Foundation event last week in Washington, D.C., Google co-founder Larry Page tried to bolster his firm's case for the FCC to make white spaces--vacant channels of spectrum next to the television broadcaster bands--available for unlicensed wireless broadband access. Page is hoping to sway the FCC, which is expected to issue a report on its white-space device testing some time this summer. The FCC has been testing several white-space device prototypes and is expected to continue to trial devices.

White spaces are slivers of spectrum in the 700 MHz that were originally designed to prevent interference between TV broadcasts. However as broadcasters transition to digital broadcasting, some industry players (such as Google) believe there is an opportunity to use these white spaces to deliver unlicensed wireless broadband services. The broadcast industry opposes the move, saying it will threaten the transition to digital TV and cause interference. The CTIA meanwhile recommends auctioning off the unused broadcast spectrum, and a host of other industries are concerned about interference, including hospitals, entertainers and professional sports organizers. They fear interference with wireless microphones. During his speech, Page discounted the broadcasters' view that using white space spectrum would cause interference, saying that there isn't any technical validity to that claim.

For more:
- see this BusinessWeek article

ALSO NOTED: Alvarion wins U.K. contract; Canada's Rogers Wireless to begin selling HSPA-enabled HTC device; and much more...

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:59:51 -0400

> Alvarion said it has won a contract to deploy infrastructure in the 3.3GHz spectrum for U.K. network provider Metranet. Article

> Canadian operator Rogers Wireless will begin selling the HSPA version of the HTC Shift X9501 device. Article

And Finally... An annual survey conducted by research firm Millward Brown found that global awareness of Bluetooth technology is at an all time high with 85 percent of consumers recognizing it. Release

Technology-neutral European auctions opportunity for technology companies

Mon, 19 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

European governments have taken an unprecedented move to offer wireless broadband licenses on a technology-neutral basis, and technology companies are taking advantage to foster the proliferation of their technology interests and for a relatively cheap price tag.

Qualcomm last week won U.K.-wide L-band spectrum for $12.9 million, but the company is being vague about its plans for the band, saying it wants to "explore emerging business models and advanced mobile technologies."

Said Andrew Gilbert, an executive VP of Qualcomm: "Acquiring this spectrum will enable us to develop, test and explore a variety of innovative wireless services and technologies that will benefit European consumers and the wireless industry as a whole. The company has a long history of innovation and creating new technology markets."

Earlier this month, Intel Capital was among the winners of Sweden's auction of the 2.6 GHz band, acquiring 50 MHz of TDD spectrum for $26.5 million. Intel is seeking partners to build and operate a WiMAX network. The company plans to rent out the license to partners rather than sell it to grow WiMAX and the market for its Centrino WiMAX-enabled chips.

Of course, Qualcomm has a history of pushing new technologies via license ownership, with mobile TV being the latest. As it was going around evangelizing CDMA in the 1990s, the company bought licenses to begin Leap Wireless to push CDMA. Maybe it wants to prove that Ultra Mobile Broadband, the 4G path for CDMA technology, is a viable one.

It will be interesting to see who bids in the auctions going forward. Might Google make a play for a license and look for someone to run the network so it can guarantee its services on a carrier's network? Will Intel look to win more licenses, and what in the world is Qualcomm doing?--Lynnette

Alltel chooses LTE for 4G

Mon, 19 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

In a move that is not surprising, Alltel announced it was committed to evolving its network to LTE during the next five years. The decision isn't surprising given the fact that Alltel typically follows in Verizon's footsteps when it comes to technology decisions. Earlier this year Verizon committed to the LTE standard to align itself with partner Vodafone.

"We do currently plan to move towards LTE in the three-to-five year timeframe vs. WiMAX, but we're still early in that," Alltel President and CEO Scott Ford said during the operator's first-quarter conference call.

Alltel's COO Jeff Fox, however, noted that the carrier won't be talking seriously about LTE this year. "We are working through our planning phase and will be talking to our board about all that over the next two quarters," Fox said. "Certainly there's no money for 4G evolution anytime in our near-term plans, and so I think from a cash-flow perspective you should not expect to see us talking about 4G anytime at least in 2008." Plus, does Alltel have enough spectrum to deploy LTE? The operator didn't win anything at the 700 MHz auction.

For more on Alltel's LTE choice:
- read this RCR article