Telecom Trends

While Canada is awaiting the release of the rules on the AWS auction, attention south of the border is focussed on the next swath of radio spectrum - the 700 MHz band.

Last week, as the World Radiocommunication Conference wrapped up in Geneva, a consensus was reached on using 700 MHz for wireless broadband services including cellphones, mobile TV and WiMax, although at each country’s time of choosing, as reported in the NY Times.

While the European Broadcasters Union was concerned about potential intereference with its digital TV signals, many of the large countries in Asia — including China, India, South Korea and Japan — signed on to the American plan.

The NY Times article speculates that such a global consensus will help increasing the number of potential bidders (possibly including Google, Apple and Yahoo) and driving the value - and the resultant bids - higher when the 700 MHz band goes to auction.

There is more spectrum available for mobile applications beyond the frequencies under consideration in the current AWS auction consultation in Canada. WRC07 has ensured that the 700 MHz band will be globally converted, creating an attractive alternative for future requirements.

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700 MHz, WRC 2007, NY Times