Curious cast of characters to vie for spectrum

Wireless in the Enterprise This newsletter is sponsored by Secure Computing PCI DSS: Discover how to easily comply Tune in to this live webcast to hear industry experts discuss the PCI DSS specification and how real-world companies are complying today. You will hear advice on how to establish a comprehensive strategy to achieve this goal. Don't miss out. Network World's Wireless in the Enterprise Newsletter, 11/14/07 Curious cast of characters to vie for spectrum By Joanie Wexler We’ll know on Dec. 3 who has filed to bid in the January auctions for blocks of 700MHz U.S. spectrum, frequently called the “beachfront property” of wireless because of its excellent propagation characteristics. Incumbents and newcomers alike will be vying for the spectrum, soon to be vacated by analog TV. Their agendas will range from protecting their existing voice-driven cellular turfs to shaking up the entire U.S. mobility model, say industry watchers. For example, Google has indicated it might bid the full $4.6 billion minimum asking price for all 12 nationwide 22MHz licenses to be auctioned off in the C block with some open-access rules applying. Andy Seybold, principal at wireless consultancy Andrew Seybold Inc., said that if Google succeeds at that, it might turn around and do a deal with AT&T. Get Up to Speed on the Latest in WLANs Explore the latest developments and issues in WLAN technology, standards, security, telephony, management and more with Network World's latest Executive Guide, "Keeping Up With the Wireless Whirlwind". Click here to download. AT&T quietly purchased 12MHz spectrum licenses covering 196 million people and 281 markets in the 700MHz frequency range last month from Aloha Partners, L.P. That spectrum—particularly alongside a possible deal with an auction winner—could allow it into the 700MHz arena without having to do battle at the auctions. “22MHz is not enough for a robust network, but it is a great bargaining tool,” said Seybold, who was a panelist at a meeting of the Wireless Communications Alliance at Santa Clara University in Silicon Valley last week. At the meeting, Seybold said that because the 700MHz networks “will be all IP, end to end, from the ground up,” the auctions might even appeal to the interests of IP companies such as Cisco. Similarly, non-U.S. companies, such as Chinese 3G equipment makers Huawei and ZTE, “might come to the U.S. if Google or another incumbent get spectrum” and there’s a possibility of a deal, speculated Mike Thelander, CEO of wireless research and consulting firm Signals Research Group He speculated that satellite operators and teams of operator and mobile handset makers might also appear at the bidding table. For its part, Microsoft said at last month’s CTIA show that it prefers to partner with all the operators and doesn’t intend to bid on the spectrum. Editor's note: Starting Nov. 19 week, you will notice a number of enhancements to Network World newsletters that will provide you with more resources and more news links relevant to the newsletter's subject. Beginning Monday, Nov. 12, the Wireless in the Enterprise Newsletter, written by Joanie Wexler, will be merged with the Wireless News Alert and will be named the Wireless Alert. You'll get Joanie's analysis of the wireless market, which you will be able to read in full at NetworkWorld.com, plus links to the day's wireless news and other relevant resources. This Alert will be mailed on Mondays and Wednesdays. We hope you will enjoy the enhancements and we thank you for reading Network World newsletters.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

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Contact the author: Joanie Wexler is an independent networking technology writer/editor in California's Silicon Valley who has spent most of her career analyzing trends and news in the computer networking industry. She welcomes your comments on the articles published in this newsletter, as well as your ideas for future article topics. Reach her at joanie@jwexler.com. This newsletter is sponsored by Secure Computing PCI DSS: Discover how to easily comply Tune in to this live webcast to hear industry experts discuss the PCI DSS specification and how real-world companies are complying today. You will hear advice on how to establish a comprehensive strategy to achieve this goal. Don't miss out. ARCHIVE Archive of the Wireless in the Enterprise Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE 90% of IT Managers are leaving their company at risk for a DNS ATTACK. Get the tools and resources you need to keep your DNS healthy and secure. Run a DNSreport on your domain today - 56 critical tests run in 8 seconds. Visit www.dnsreport.com to learn more. (apply coupon NWW2007NLA for a 25% membership discount) PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007