spectrum

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

What will Qualcomm do with the U.K. spectrum it won?

Mon, 19 May 2008 06:59:53 -0400

Having won the auction for the U.K.-wide L-band spectrum auction, Qualcomm has been reluctant to define what it might be used for other than to "explore emerging business models and advanced mobile technologies."

Qualcomm spent $12.9 million to win the spectrum right to the 1452 MHz to 1492 MHz band, and competing against seven other hopefuls, Qualcomm claims the license is suitable for offering mobile television, wireless broadband and satellite radio. The spectrum has been released on a technology and service neutral basis, leaving Qualcomm and its partners free to decide what to do next. The frequency band is also available as of now.

Andrew Gilbert, an executive VP of Qualcomm, said: "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."

For more on this story:
-read CNNmoney