Wednesday, August 01, 2007

FCC approves rules for spectrum auction (Roundup)

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on the rules for the spectrum auction that is to take place next year. The outcome of the vote is good for consumers, as they will get more options for their wireless devices and cellular phones.


The final FCC vote and the subsequent rules mean several changes to the existing rules governing the commercial services portion of the 700 MHz Band.


Most notably, the FCC determined that licensees for one of the spectrum blocks to be auctioned, the large 22-megahertz Upper 700 MHz C Block, will be required to provide a platform that is more open to devices and applications. These licensees will be required to allow customers, device manufacturers, third-party application developers, and others to use any device or application of their choice on their networks in this band, subject to certain conditions.


The auction is anonymous, which the FCC hopes will allow an unknown bidder to enter the wireless market. The 700 MHz spectrum is a hot commodity for hi-tech companies. As broadcast TV turns to digital, the 700 MHz band is quickly being vacated. It can penetrate walls and other obstructions with ease and the signal strength is consistent making it something carriers drool over.



Add Photos & Videos

Tags: auction | cellular phones | changes | commercial services | Federal Communications Commission | licensees | platform | Rules | SPECTRUM | subsequent | Vote | wireless

No comments: