Congress at Odds Over Provisions in Payroll Tax Extenders Bill for Spectrum Auctions
Posted by Meagan Foster on Friday, February 3, 2012 · 
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Earlier this week, I attended The New America Foundation’s “Spectrum Auctions and Super Wi-Fi: A Win-Win for Consumers and Taxpayers,” a briefing for congressional staff and advocates. The event was a reaction to the language in the current version of the House Payroll Tax Extenders bill (Jumpstarting Opportunity with Broadband Spectrum Act – JOBS Act), which proposes to pay for the tax cut via incentive spectrum auctions. The spectrum in question is currently held by TV broadcasters.
The House bill contains language in Section 4105 that prevents the FCC from restricting who can bid in a spectrum auction, i.e. it states that the commission cannot set up auction parameters to prevent tier-one operators from winning the entire auction. The bill also restricts the commission’s authority to set aside spectrum for unlicensed uses.
Of note, the majority in the House has publicly stated that they believe the parameters they are imposing on the commission will generate more revenue for the U.S. Treasury. However, thus far they have refused to cap the amount of money that will be paid to broadcasters to incentivize their vacating their current spectrum holdings. Read more
NetAmerica Begins Testing Newly Installed SuperCenter
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 · ·
Last week NetAmerica Alliance announced that it would begin testing its recently completed SuperCenter and Network Operations Center (NOC) in Dallas, Texas.
The SuperCenter is home to the alliance’s IP Multimedia System (IMS) framework. A recent press release to announce completion of the SuperCenter describes the IMS as the key element in the delivery of a “full range of integrated Internet Protocol (IP) based multimedia services.” The IMS core allows the independent carriers who make up the alliance to offer high-quality features and applications and a 4G LTE service to their customers in each member’s license area. Read more
AT&T and Dish: Rumor or Cage Rattling?
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 · ·
According to Credit Suisse analyst Stefan Anninger, a seven-page FCC exparte AT&T penned may be a strong indicator of the carrier’s interest in buying up the 40Mhz S-band spectrum currently controlled by Dish Network.
After separate bankruptcy proceedings last year, Dish Network now holds DBSD North America, Inc. and TerreStar Networks, Inc. and their satellite spectrum licenses. Dish recently petitioned the FCC for an ancillary terrestrial component waiver that it says it will use to provide a wireless-hybrid 4G LTE network. Read more
Do Consumers Need to Understand Wireless Technologies?
Posted by Jesse Ward on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 · ·
Last week in Wilmington, N.C., database operator Spectrum Bridge launched the first commercial wireless network using unlicensed spectrum that was freed up in the shift from analog to digital television. In essence, the network operates in the white spaces between TV channels.
The technology is particularly useful for serving less densely populated areas, such as rural areas, where most vacant TV channels can be found. The low frequencies used by the white spaces travel well through buildings and varied terrain and can operate in a 50-mile radius with a single access point. Read more
ViaSat’s Exede: This is Not What They Promised
Posted by Steve Fravel on Monday, January 30, 2012 · ·
Existing users of ViaSat were pleased to learn that the new Exede service would be faster with more bandwidth. Exede has reportedly launched and, from early reports, those who have been waiting for the upgrade aren’t getting the new service yet. Instead, new subscribers are at the head of the line.
Additionally, the higher priced Exede comes with a few restrictions that have customers less-than-thrilled with the service. While the bandwidth is larger than before, the daily usage is capped. Called the “fair access policy or FAP,” the bandwidth cap is set to a lower total bandwidth than existing customer’s WildBlue service.
Considering the high cost for satellite service and a need to add new customers quickly, it is likely that any additional increase in speed or relaxation of the FAP restrictions will take time. Any improvement is good except when it comes with a crippling restriction.
Verizon Smart Energy Home
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
With little fanfare, Verizon launched its smart home products. The product allows customers nationwide to remotely lock and unlock doors and windows, manage thermostats and lights, and monitor video cameras.
According to Verizon Director of Product Development, Home Monitoring and Control Ann Shaub, most customers opt-in to the complete smart home package that includes door sensors, door locks and cameras, along with the energy package.
While Verizon doesn’t claim that use of the energy control package will save money or energy, it is clear that for most customers the added advantage is the level of security and media management the complete package performs, according to Shaub.
According to Verizon, approximately 95% of smart home customers install their own devices, although Verizon continues to work with Ingersoll-Rand for security systems and Aeon Labs for energy and thermostats.
The LightSquared Week in Review
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
Early last week, LightSquared announced that it had signed its 39th wholesale agreement, welcoming Telcom Ventures to the 4G LTE service. Telcom Ventures operates two services, Assist Wireless and New-Talk. Both services carry the FCC certification of Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC), which allows them to provide lifeline services to low-income subscribers.
LightSquared‘s plans are currently on hold, waiting for approval from the FCC before it can begin operations with its wholesale partners. Read more