Do US 700 MHz Spectrum Auctions Tilt the Scale in Favor of LTE? The results of the US spectrum auctions in the 700 Mhz band are out, as are the plans of some of the major players which have won the auctions. Verizon and AT&T have been the largest two successful bidders. AT&T has already announced plans for using this spectrum for LTE. Verizon could also be looking at similar use. Echostar, the fourth largest bidder has also given signals that the spectrum may be used for Mobile TV extensions of the Dish Network. Where does this leave WiMAX where the WiMAX forum had given signals to develop profiles in the 700 MHz band. In fact the WiMAX Congress Asia 2008 ( 9-10 April Singapore) is set to discuss the policies of 700 MHz use in its regulatory sessions. It also raises questions on how the digital dividend will be treated in Europe and Asia? Will it also be used for LTE? Quite unlikely considering the state of broadcast networks and the need for future requirements. This leads to a risk that LTE technologies may also develop in incompatible bands globally. If AWS band used for mobile phone use is not enough, we have another case here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Amitabh Kumar @ Apr 4th 2008 5:22AM
Do US 700 MHz Spectrum Auctions Tilt the Scale in Favor of LTE?
The results of the US spectrum auctions in the 700 Mhz band are out, as are the plans of some of the major players which have won the auctions.
Verizon and AT&T have been the largest two successful bidders. AT&T has already announced plans for using this spectrum for LTE. Verizon could also be looking at similar use. Echostar, the fourth largest bidder has also given signals that the spectrum may be used for Mobile TV extensions of the Dish Network.
Where does this leave WiMAX where the WiMAX forum had given signals to develop profiles in the 700 MHz band. In fact the WiMAX Congress Asia 2008 ( 9-10 April Singapore) is set to discuss the policies of 700 MHz use in its regulatory sessions.
It also raises questions on how the digital dividend will be treated in Europe and Asia? Will it also be used for LTE? Quite unlikely considering the state of broadcast networks and the need for future requirements. This leads to a risk that LTE technologies may also develop in incompatible bands globally. If AWS band used for mobile phone use is not enough, we have another case here.
Amitabh Kumar
http://www.mobiletvhome.com