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Executive Telecom Briefing #20

October 22, 2007	Boston, MA	More Information & Registration
November 9, 2007	New York, NY	More Information & Registration
December 5, 2007	Washington DC	More Information & Registration

The 700 MHz Auction: Consequences and Opportunities

Part of the The Telecom Regulation and Policy Seires - Featuring Dr. Alan Pearce, the former Chief Chief Economist, of the Federal Communications Commission

The FCC has adopted an auction schedule for the 700 MHz UHF band that , among other things, incorporates a requirement that at least a portion of the spectrum will be open to any devices, applications, and services, along with third party networks. The auction will begin in January 2008. The FCC’s decision also includes the possible authorization of a nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders to emergencies -- a historic event if it occurs. The rules are not yet set for how that network will be shared with commercial providers and other public safety networks.

The potential opportunities resulting from this new spectrum are enormous. It will affect all sectors of the industry, including incumbent carriers, potential competitors, the public safety and national law enforcement communities, Internet/Information Service Providers, equipment manufacturers and handset suppliers, third party mobile applications developers and many more.