Warning: 4G is on its Way!

The New York Times

By JOHN MARKOFF
Published: March 26, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO, March 25 - It is referred to as the last
beachfront property in the wireless world - a prized swath of
spectrum that is about to be sold at federal auction. And
it has touched off an intense lobbying effort pitting
cellular companies against a variety of new players interested in
the potential of a next-generation mobile Internet.

The Federal Communications Commission will set the rules
for the auction, possibly as soon as next month. Depending on
that ruling, the spectrum could be used for voice services
for cellular carriers, new frequencies for emergency
responders, or a commercial high-speed broadband multimedia
network.

Among those trying to influence the outcome are three of
the nation's four largest cellular providers, rural and
regional wireless carriers, cable and satellite television
companies and a range of technology companies - including Google
and Yahoo.

Along with other wireless technology proposals, the auction
could reshape the debate over who controls access to the
networks that deliver digital content to consumers. Opening
the door to more network competition nationally could have a
tremendous economic impact.

'This offers the potential for a real game changer in
broadband spectrum,' said John M. R. Kneuer, assistant secretary
for communications and information at the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration, an arm of the
Commerce Department. 'It can both generate new innovation and
lower prices.'

The airwaves in question are in the 700-megahertz band, a
segment used until now for UHF television but freed up by
the move to digital broadcasting. Unless Congress reverses
itself, those frequencies are scheduled to be reclaimed by
the government and reallocated for public safety and
commercial broadband networks on Feb. 19, 2009.

Mr. Kneuer points out that because the new band is at a
lower frequency than today's cellular and digital wireless
services, it has a far greater range as well as the ability to
penetrate the walls of homes and office buildings more
effectively.

SNIP: Read the full article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/26/technology/26spectrum.html

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