Cox making 3G moves

Cox Communications, which won spectrum in the 700 MHz band, is expected to announce vendors for its 3G network in the coming months. The cable provider has already brought on BCI Communications to assist with cell site acquisition, design and construction.

According to reports circulating late last year, Cox, which spent $550 million on the wireless licenses, is planning to build its own network in its cable service area serving about 23 million potential customers in New Orleans, Omaha, Las Vegas, Kansas and Southern New Mexico and to use Sprint Nextel for roaming outside those areas. Cox, unlike Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bight House Networks, did not become part of the new Clearwire joint venture which is expected to launch a nationwide mobile WiMAX service early next year. Also unlike those other players, Cox did participate in the FCC's 700 MHz auction.

Cox is planning a 3G network with an eye on moving to Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. The company has been busy naming wireless executives to its team.

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