In a great show of cross-industry cooperation, Sprint said it has completed its mission of clearing up 35 MHz of broadcast auxiliary service spectrum across the nation.
The move comes as the industry is facing a looming “< ahref="http://s06coeda4d.onrocket.site/2010/02/24/fcc-seeks-more-wireless-spectrum-for-mobile-broadband-data-networks/">spectrum crisis” – more and more consumers want to use mobile data services but the choke point is the amount of available airwaves. Sprint said this 35 MHz of spectrum could be used by itself, mobile satellite providers, and new broadband competitors. The project cost about $750 million, the third-largest U.S. carrier said.
“Sprint’s completion of the BAS spectrum transition marks an important step toward President Obama’s goal of freeing 500 MHz of additional wireless broadband spectrum,” said Michael B. Degitz, vice president, Spectrum Management for Sprint, in a prepared statement. “This newly cleared spectrum has the potential to be used to create jobs, to enhance the nation’s and the telecommunications industry’s economic competitiveness and to increase productivity. Sprint is pleased that it has been able to support this essential element of the President’s technology agenda and the National Broadband Plan.”
I mentioned it’s a good cross-industry move because the mobile operators have generally been getting the good treatment when it comes to new spectrum. Of course, this means that industries like broadcasters are kind of getting the shaft, but by making more efficient use of its airwaves, Sprint is playing nice with others companies and broadcasters.
The National Association of Broadcasters praised the move and even called it a “herculean task.” Hopefully, we can get these industries to stop fighting and consumers will benefit with high-speed, highly accessible broadband.
[Via Sprint]