It’s believed that this chunk of wireless spectrum is the last available for creating a mainstream broadband network. It’s believed that signals in this 700Mhz spectrum will be able to provide faster Internet access than the cellular and WiFi options available today.

One upside of Apple purchasing the spectrum would be service to iPhone owners. They would no longer have to depend on the phone company but could use a net telephony service for cheaper, more reliable service.

There are other implications for Apple and some of them aren’t so good, for instance their margins would definitely drop.

At this point it appears as if Apple won’t bite but they’re approaching the auction well informed.
Via [businessweek.com]

Google has contacted the FCC and explained to them their interest in a wireless proposal set forth by M2Z Networks. M2Z is hoping to lease an unused slice of wireless spectrum between 2155 to 2175 MHz.

The FCC’s stance is that they’re waiting to hear how the public wants the spectrum to be used and licensed.

Google has my vote!
Via [theregister.co.uk]

One large chunk of spectrum has a number of open access conditions attached to it while the other requires bidders be active in the public/private public safety network. But the new rules don’t restrict the same company from buying both of these slots. There are also three other large blocks that will be up for auction.

It is possible for one company to come in and purchase all 5 blocks of spectrum but it’s highly unlikely that anyone would as the built-out requirements for each segment are quite expansive and unique, meaning the work involved in just one segment will require a very specialized committment.

Expect the C block to garner the most attention as it could be used for a national high-speed wireless service and many of the telecoms have already expressed their interest.
Via [arstechnica.com]

Google has placed a stipulation on its bid, they want regulators to agree to open access of those airwaves. If the FCC agrees the new spectrum could be revolutionary, giving consumers more choices. This idea is backed wholeheartedly by consumers, public interest groups and a coalition of major technology companies.
Via [latimes.com]

The FCC’s largest concern with this leap forward in Wi-Fi is that there is no interference with existing television signals. But the Coalition is confident that this will not be a problem. Instead they’re touting the technology’s ability to produce download speeds of up to 80Mbps.

The timeline sets February 2009 as its endpoint with all analog television transmissions ceasing at this point and, if all goes well, white space broadband service beginning at the same time.
Via [arstechnica.com]

According to the FCC, the lease terms were “unreasonably” prohibitive. Massport, it said, had no right to make that instruction because the airline observed rules concerning on-the-air reception devices, or OTARD: the antenna was within the prescribed standards on measurement, use and location.

In a statement accompanying FCC’s 23-page decision, Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps said the ruling “clarifies that American consumers and businesses are free to install Wi-Fi antennas under our OTARD rules–meaning without seeking approval from their landlords–just as they are free to install antennas for video programming and other fixed wireless applications.”

Naturally, Continental welcomed the decision and called it a “resounding victory to the airline and for consumers.” Massport, on the other hand, was disappointed with the news, adding that it is now mulling its options, including pursuing further legal action.
Via [news.zdnet.com]