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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 [...]
  • Verizon projected to win 700Mhz C-Block in FCC auction

    After last night’s Super Tuesday projections and primary results, we’re pretty much done with analyst projections. But, we can’t help but give in to our fascination with the FCC 700Mhz auction . The latest polls projections put Verizon Wireless as the winner of the C-Block, ousting Google as a potential new wireless carrier. Google is believed to have recently put up a bid to meet the reserve price of the 700Mhz C-Block auction - to the tune of $ 4.7 billion . The bid was a show of good faith on Google’s part - who previously pledged to bid the reserve price if open-access rules were adopted for the C-Block - in order to trigger the open-access rules . However, it was widely believed that Google would simply put up the bid to ensure that the winner of the C-Block would be held to open-access standards, and then sit back and watch the other big dog steamroll the competition. That other big dog seems to be Verizon Wireless. Analysts believe that the No. 2 national carrier will win the C-Block by bidding up regional licenses. According to auction rules, if the total bids on the smaller regional licenses surpasses the bid-price on the national C-Block license, the FCC will divvy up the C-Block and award those licenses to the highest bidder or bidders. In other words, Verizon may just win the C-Block by successfully bidding smaller regional licenses. And, they’ll need it, considering AT&T just got the FCC go-ahead to gobble up Aloha Wireless’ 12Mhz slice of 700Mhz spectrum. The total of regional license-bids has hit $4.74 billion, which tops Google’s rumored $4.7 billion bid for the C-Block. If Google (one of the only other auction participants with the cash to compete on a serious level) decides to sit back and let the likes of Verizon Wireless snatch the spectrum, we’re going to be in for much of the same wireless shenanigans in the US. At least we’ll be able to use Android handset on Verizon’s 700Mhz network...
  • 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 [...]
  • Is Google seriously serious about bidding on the 700Mhz spectrum auction?

    We know, we’ve been talking about Google’s intention to bid on the upcoming FCC 700Mhz spectrum auction, and Google CEO Schmidt even confirmed his company’s intent to do so. But, according Bloomberg, some analyst think that Google isn’t planning on submitting a bid beyond the initial $4.6 billion minimum opening-bid. Is Google’s bid for the 700Mhz auction just for show? These analysts are saying that Google could have simply talked a big game and feigned interest in snatching up the 700Mhz spectrum in order to affect policy changes like the controversial open-access regulations that were placed on the spectrum by the FCC. Google’s commitment to bidding on the spectrum could end at the opening bid - after which Google will simply let the industry big-dogs duke it out for the winning bid. Afterall, Google will still have an open network to provide its services regardless of who wins the auction. And, with Verizon Wireless’s recent announcement that they’ll be opening up their network to “any app, any device” in 2008, Google could see little benefit to actually owning the 700Mhz airwaves. “They’re going to get what they want without having to put up billions of dollars,” said Todd Dagres, general partner at Spark Capital, adding that “the ideal scenario is to get the openness so [Google] can offer their services. I’m not sure they want to be a wireless carrier.” We’re cautious to put our faith in this kind of speculation - everything we’ve heard about Google’s plans seems to indicate that they’re serious about winning the spectrum. But, it makes a lot of sense for Google to “put [their] money where [their] principles are” in an opening bid, and then sit on the sidelines as they wait for their open-network to go live. [Via: Bloomberg ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Google is still a player in FCC's 700Mhz spectrum auctionGoogle getting...
  • 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 [...]
  • Google getting serious about 700Mhz wireless network plans

    We already knew Google was looking to take a shot at winning a bid for the 700Mhz spectrum that’s slated to be auctioned by the FCC in a couple months . Now it looks like Google is as serious about launching their own wireless network than ever before. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google feels that they are obligated to bid on the 700Mhz frequency spectrum after successfully lobbying to get the “open-access” rules passed by the FCC. The search-giant is already testing a small-scale wireless network at its Mountain View, CA-headquarters, using the 700Mhz frequency band to help develop its prototype fleet of Android-powered mobile phones. Google’s got more than enough cash on hand to cover the initial $4.6 billion bid-price, and is reportedly ready to pay more out of its own pockets or take out loans to cover a winning bid. With Google’s recent entry into the mobile space, it seems that they are committed to making sure that their Android-based handsets will make it into as many consumer hands as possible - winning the 700Mhz spectrum would give Google the leverage to really push the Android platform. We’ll have to wait a couple more months to see what Google does, but it seems more likely than ever that we’ll be seeing a Google Wireless in our future. [Via: Electronista ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Google may bid for upcoming 700Mhz frequency auction - if FCC agrees to "open access" termsGoogle is still a player in FCC's 700Mhz spectrum auctionApple considering bid on upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum?Google: FCC may require upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction to be "open platform"FCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction [...]
  • 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?
  • FCC to change rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction

    All the whining, suing , and petitioning from the likes of Verizon Wireless , AT&T and Frontline have prompted FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to take action . The recently approved open-access rules (for which we applauded the FCC) are now the target of revision by Martin. As you’ll remember, the 22Mhz block of the 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction , referred to as the C-block , is currently setup to require that the winning carrier allow any device and any software to use the network. Chairman Martin failed to propose revisions to the open-access rules this past week and is now aggressively pushing to “clarify” the rules - through a “declaratory ruling.” It looks like Martin is trying to change the open-access guidelines in response to Verizon Wireless’s recent lawsuit against the FCC, and is likely also the result of Verizon Wireless lobbying the FCC. Industry insiders fear that Martin is trying make changes to the rules outside the scope of the public-comment system. We’ll see how this one plays out. It seems that the FCC is moving towards appeasing Verizon Wireless, but public outcry could keep that from happening. So, get on your soapboxes and start spreading the “open-access” word. [Via: RCR News ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:AT&T, Frontline petition FCC over upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auctionFCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction - $10 billion reserve priceGoogle is still a player in FCC's 700Mhz spectrum auctionFCC approves open-access rules for upcoming 700Mhz wireless spectrum auctionVerizon Wireless sues to get FCC rules of 700Mhz auction removed
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