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  • AT&T: 4G LTE network in 2012

    Just what does AT&T plan on doing with all that 700Mhz B-Block spectrum (from the 700Mhz FCC auction) and that valuable swath of 700Mhz C-Block spectrum (from Aloha Partners)? It looks like AT&T is going to use the fresh-off-the-grill spectrum to launch its own 4G LTE mobile broadband network.The additional spectrum firmly plants AT&T at [...]

  • FCC 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction meets $4.6 billion "C" block reserve price - Open Access baby!

    With previous anonymous bids (the FCC is keeping bids secret until end of auction) on the coveted 700Mhz “C” block hovering below the $4.6 billion reserve price required to ensure “ open access ” rules are enacted, we were starting to get a little nervous about giants like AT&T or Verizon Wireless snatching up the spectrum and keeping it locked down. Well, it looks like our fears have been assuaged with the announcement that the FCC has received a bid of $4.7 billion for the “C” block of the 700Mhz spectrum. The current bid has the potential to see it through to the end of the auction, netting the anonymous bidder (Google, perhaps?) a sweet slice of the 700Mhz pie. Seeing as how the next round of bidding (Round 18) will open with a minimum bid of $5.3 billion, it’s not hard to imagine that the $4.7 billion bid will take the trophy - we’re thinking that could very well be Google. Google previously pledged to put up a bid to meet the $4.6 billion reserve price on the “C” block, which triggered the “open access” rules in effect. The “rules” will give the company’s Android platform a suitable playground in which to play. But, seeing as how all bidding is anonymous, we can’t verify that Google is responsible for this highest-bid. In either case, open access is here, baby! Bring on the 700Mhz “C” block! [Via: RCRNews ] Hilarious pic from Engadget Mobile ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:FCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction - $10 billion reserve priceAT&T, Frontline petition FCC over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction700Mhz FCC auction delayed, new auction rules publishedUpcoming FCC 700Mhz auction could generate less money than expected; Chairman Martin says auction will proceedFCC to change rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency [...]

  • Upcoming FCC 700Mhz auction could generate less money than expected; Chairman Martin says auction will proceed

    It’s hard times here in the US. With the financial downturn of the US credit industry, the upcoming FCC 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction could bring in significantly less greenage into US Treasury coffers than once projected. The FCC previously speculated that the auction could generate something like $12 billion, but current analysis has put that projection in doubt. Regardless of market-troubles, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has announced that the 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction is bound by law to continue. We’ll be seeing the auction commence on January 24, 2008. [Via: RCRNews ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:FCC to change rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auctionVerizon Wireless backs off FCC lawsuit over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auctionFCC approves open-access rules for upcoming 700Mhz wireless spectrum auctionAT&T, Frontline petition FCC over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction700Mhz frequency spectrum primed to be worldwide standard for mobile broadband

  • FCC confirms 214 qualified bidders for 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction

    The upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction has attracted the biggest fish in the wireless-pond, and the FCC has confirmed 214 qualified bidders that are ready and rearin’ to get their auction-on. Come Jan. 24, we’ll be seeing the hard-hitters like Google, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, MetroPCS, Alltel, as well as cable-operators like DISH Network parent company EchoStar Communications. All qualified bidders were required to put up a $128 payment in order to participate in the auction. Unfortunately, Frontline Wireless’s national-emergency-response-wireless-broadband-network dreams have been dashed, as they failed to qualify for the auction. The company’s withdrawl from the auction has cast some doubt on Frontline Wireless’s future. The auction will take about a month to complete, and all bids will be confidential and anonymous, so we have a bit of a wait before we find out exactly which companies will be walking away with a piece of the coveted 700Mhz spectrum. [Via: CellularNews ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Upcoming FCC 700Mhz auction could generate less money than expected; Chairman Martin says auction will proceed700Mhz frequency spectrum primed to be worldwide standard for mobile broadbandVerizon Wireless backs off FCC lawsuit over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auctionFCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction - $10 billion reserve priceAT&T, Frontline petition [...]

  • Google makes it official - confirms intention to bid on 700Mhz spectrum

    We pretty much knew they were going to do it , but there’s nothing like a an official press release to get our juices flowing. Google CEO Eric Schmidt made it official - Google will be bidding on the 700Mhz wireless spectrum come January 24, 2008. And, it looks like Google’s going to be making their bid solo. “ We believe it’s important to put our money where our principles are,” said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google. “Consumers deserve more competition and innovation than they have in today’s wireless world. No matter which bidder ultimately prevails, the real winners of this auction are American consumers who likely will see more choices than ever before in how they access the Internet. “ We believe it’s important too, Eric. Good luck with the upcoming 700Mhz FCC auction . But, then again, you have more than enough cash reserves and enough credit to steamroll just about anyone that might bid against you . Read on for the full press release. Google Will Apply to Participate in FCC Spectrum Auction MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (November 30, 2007) - Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced today that it will apply to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming auction of wireless spectrum in the 700 megahertz (MHz) band. As part of the nationally mandated transition to digital television, the 700 MHz spectrum auction — which begins January 24, 2008 — will free up spectrum airwaves for more efficient wireless Internet service for consumers. Advocacy by public interest groups and Google earlier this year helped ensure that regardless of which bidders win a key portion of the spectrum up for auction (the so-called “C Block”), they will be required to allow their users to download any software application they want on their mobile device, and to use any mobile devices they would like on that wireless network. The winner must ensure these rights for consumers if the reserve price...

  • 700Mhz frequency spectrum primed to be worldwide standard for mobile broadband

    The upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction has been a hotly anticipated event. The FCC auction is expected to usher in a new era of mobile broadband for the US, and as such, the US pushed for global adoption of the 700Mhz band as the home of future mobile broadband technologies. And, it seems that much of the globe as agreed to support the 700Mhz spectrum for next-generation wireless services - all of the Americas, China, India, Europe, South Korea, and Japan are on board to utilize the upcoming spectrum. As the new globally-accepted spectrum for future wireless technologies, the 700Mhz frequency is sure to be an even more sought-after slice of the radio spectrum. We can’t imagine that any of the big wireless-players will be able to take the upcoming auction lightly - especially considering that Google is seriously considering launching their own wireless network if they clinch the winning bid. There should be a lot of money being thrown around, come January. This should be interesting. [Via: RCRNews ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:FCC Approves Auction of 700Mhz Wireless SpectrumGoogle may bid for upcoming 700Mhz frequency auction - if FCC agrees to "open access" terms700Mhz FCC auction delayed, new auction rules publishedFCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction - $10 billion reserve priceGoogle: FCC may require upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction to be [...]

  • 700Mhz FCC auction delayed, new auction rules published

    So, it looks like the FCC has changed its mind on the upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction again. The regulatory body has published additional auction rules, including a new auction date - set for January 24, 2008. The entire auction will still hold a reserve price of $10 billion, with the coveted open-access C-block keeping a $4.63 billion reserve price. The open-access provisions for the 22Mhz slice of the 700Mhz spectrum are still in place, but the FCC has ruled that smaller companies will now get a discount on their bids. Companies with $15 million to $40 million in gross revenue will be getting a 15% bidding credit, while companies with gross revenues less than $15 million will get a 25% discount. The new rules include preventative measures to ensure that smaller companies do not bid on behalf of larger companies in order to get the bidding credits. We’re glad to hear that the FCC has made it easier for smaller companies to get in on the 700Mhz action. The new rules should make for more competition and even allow smaller outfits to get their chance at a nation-wide wireless broadband network. AT&T and Verizon Wireless should be worried. Well, actually, seeing as how AT&T already acquired their high-speed spectrum from Aloha, it’s just Verizon that should be sweating. [Via: Wireless Week ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:FCC to change rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auctionFCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction - $10 billion reserve priceAT&T, Frontline petition FCC over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auctionGoogle is still a player in FCC's 700Mhz spectrum auctionFCC approves open-access rules for upcoming 700Mhz wireless spectrum auction

  • AT&T snatches up high-speed wireless frequency spectrum for $2.5 billion

    Forget waiting on the January FCC auction of the 700Mhz frequency spectrum. AT&T has jumped the gun on competitors and bought itself a 12Mhz slice of the 700Mhz frequency band from Aloha Partners LP. The $2.5 billion deal will net AT&T additional 700Mhz licenses in 281 US markets - including 72 of the top 100 markets and all 10 of the top 10 US markets. AT&T is moving to expand their network to meet “Customer demand for mobile services, including voice, data and video, is continually increasing. Aloha’s spectrum will enable AT&T to efficiently meet this growing demand and help our customers stay connected to their worlds.” We’re looking for governmental approval of the deal in 6 to 9 months. Considering that the 22Mhz open-access block ( Block C ) of the 700Mhz spectrum will command a $4.6 billion reserve price, AT&T got a bargain of a deal on this 12Mhz slice - and AT&T won’t have to worry about open-access rules . That means more bandwidth/spectrum in addition to the planned HSUPA rollout ! And we though AT&T didn’t care about its domestic market anymore. Source ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:FCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction - $10 billion reserve priceAT&T, Frontline petition FCC over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auctionMetroPCS puts in buy-offer to acquire Leap Wireless for $5.12 billionFCC to change rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auctionApple considering bid on upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum?

  • AT&T, Frontline petition FCC over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction

    Following in Verizon Wireless’s footsteps , AT&T and Frontline (and a handful of smaller companies) are appealing the FCC’s auction rules for the upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction in January. The petition is an appeal to the FCC to remove some stipulations to the auction that is seen as “an extreme penalty,” according to AT&T’s petition. Among the rules that are causing some discontent is the requirement that any company wishing to bid on any part of the 700Mhz spectrum will have to reach an agreement with US public safety departments to give them access to the frequency for nationwide use. The petition also mentions that the ban of wholesale frequency reselling will hurt smaller companies whose only option to use the frequency would be to lease it from larger carriers with the bankroll to actually buy a piece of the spectrum. Large carriers would be affected as well. Wholesale frequency licensing is a good source of revenue to help recoup yearly operational costs in the billions of dollars. Then there’s the prohibitively high reserve-price on the spectrum, especially the 22Mhz block of open-access spectrum that was laid aside by FCC Chairman Martin last month. These reserve-prices basically ensure that smaller companies will be out-gunned from the get-go. Without the deep cash reserves of big-hitters Google and Apple, wireless startups will have no option but to man the sidelines and hope that the reserve price for the 22Mhz block of open-access spectrum isn’t met (which would require that particular block to be re-auctioned, sans open-access requirements). We’ll see how this one plays out. Our thinking is that the FCC isn’t going to budge on their decision. Afterall, they took a good long time to get these rules enacted in the first place. [Via: Electronista ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Alltel and MetroPCS gun for 700Mhz spectrum; Newly opened spectrum to be auctioned soonFCC Approves Auction...
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