Subject: [NEXTEL-1] Hold The Phone On 3G Spectrum Auctions

From: [email-masked]
Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2003 20:17:28 -0400

Hold The Phone On 3G Spectrum Auctions
Oct 22, 2003

The progress toward enabling advanced data capabilities and other third-generation wireless services in the United States accomplished by the Federal Communications Commission's report and order last week on service rules for the 1,710 MHz-1,755 MHz and 2,110 MHz-2,155 MHz spectrum bands could be scuttled by developments on Capitol Hill.
The new rules (WT Docket 02-353) include provisions for application procedures, licensing and technical operations. The commission said it would license the spectrum by geographic areas under its market-oriented Part 27 rules.
The FCC says the "licenses will be assigned via auction in the future." In the meantime, the 45 megahertz in the 1,710 MHz-1,755 MHz bands is used exclusively by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies, and the 45 megahertz in the 2,110 MHz-2,170 MHz bands is used by paging, fixed microwave and mobile-satellite telecom operations (WDN, July 31, 2002).
While the commission plans the auctions for next year, it also acknowledges that until Congress enacts legislation for a spectrum-relocation trust fund to reimburse the DoD for moving its radio systems to make room for commercial services, the auctions could be delayed, given the legislative situation on Capitol Hill.
"Spectrum reallocation, particularly with some of these contentious battles over taking care of the incumbents who get moved, is not going to happen overnight," comments Rick Brecher, a former member of the FCC's legal staff now in telecommunications law practice with the Washington, D.C., office of Miami-based Greenberg Traurig. "Any time you need congressional input, you just add multiple layers of complexity."
The chances for a spectrum relocation trust fund took hit in June when the Senate Commerce Committee added an amendment to its version of the legislation (S.865).  The amendment would grant multichannel video distribution and data services provider Northpoint Technologies spectrum in the 12.2 GHz-12.7 GHz band at no cost. Northpoint would share the bandwidth with satellite services, and it would compete in part with mobile telecom operators, which have paid for access to the bandwidth they use.
Senators supporting the amendment say it would let Northpoint roll out broadband and mobile phone services to rural areas. However, opponents say it would be a spectrum giveaway out of line with the spectrum-auction policy the country is developing.
As well, opponents say the Northpoint amendment would scuttle the House version of the spectrum trust fund legislation (H.R. 1320), which the House already has approved. In fact, House Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-La.) said the Northpoint amendment won't fly, and Senate Commerce Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) also warned that the amendment would block making spectrum available to commercial operators for advanced services.
>>Rick Brecher, [email-masked] <<

http://www.telecomweb.com

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark
Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada.
http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511
http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/61FxlB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/