What is the Real Value of a Licensed Frequency?

In the spring of 2009, Spectrum Bridge announced a financial index measuring the total secondary market worth of licensed frequencies. The publicly available metric was the first of its kind and allowed viewers to track up to three years of trends. The SpecEx Spectrum Index continues to be the standard indicator of current and historical value of spectrum.

However, while it is useful to monitor the ups and downs of the market as a whole, the Index cannot determine the current value of your specific holdings; and therein lays the real value of spectrum as perceived by the holder – how much YOUR licenses are worth and how they relate to competitor’s spectrum assets.

For the most current, personalized license valuations, Spectrum Bridge developed the “SmartWaves” spectrum management and planning tool. SmartWaves is the leading online solution for managing, viewing and analyzing the value and capabilities of your spectrum licenses. The tool delivers detailed $/MHz-Pop figures, license maps and market demographics to produce the most up to date market value of individual spectrum licenses.

To find how a spectrum portfolio compares to the competition, SmartWaves also features a competitive analysis feature which values other company’s licensed spectrum, as well as your own.

For easy to understand financial and demographic data to make informed decisions regarding spectrum, valuations through SmartWaves offer comprehensive, yet concise reports generated online in a matter of minutes.

To find the real value of your licenses, contact Spectrum Bridge @ 1-866-598-7426 x510, email SmartWaves@SpectrumBridge.com or visit SmartWaves.com to learn more.

Complete valuations of spectrum are also available for those who require a comprehensive study of licenses - contact Spectrum Bridge for more information.

Spectrum Bridge seeks to be named TV white spaces database manager by FCC

On November 25, 2009, the FCC released a Public Notice (PN) requesting proposals from entities seeking to become authorized TV white spaces database managers.

Spectrum Bridge will be submitting the required proposal to the FCC so that it can be considered as a TV white spaces database manager.

Prior to this PN, the FCC issued the Second Report and Order on TV white spaces in November, 2008. In this report, the FCC ruled that TV white spaces frequencies ( unused TV broadcast channels located in varying amounts between about 50MHz and 700MHz) could be used on an unlicensed basis - similar to WiFi frequencies. However, TV white spaces differ from WiFi in that WiFi channels are available at the same frequencies and in same amount throughout the country. However, the amount of available TV white spaces frequencies vary significantly from location to location.

This is due to the nature of TV white spaces themselves. Essentially, TV white spaces are the leftover channels not being used by nearby TV broadcasters, wireless microphones or other protected incumbent users. Since they are considered "secondary users" TV white space devices are not allowed to cause interference with these protected "primary" users.

The FCC has determined that most devices (the exception being very low power portable radios) operating on white spaces channels will have to communicate with a TV white spaces database. The database will use location and other information send by the device to look up which white spaces channels are authorized for that device to use. The set of authorized channels gets sent back to the white spaces device. This is important since according to FCC rules, a white spaces device may not transmit on white space channels until it receives a list of approved channels from the white space database.

To see a demonstration of how this works, Spectrum Bridge created ShowMyWhiteSpace.com, where you can enter in an address (or set of coordinates) and our TV white spaces database will display the available channels authorized for use at that location. This search is fast and free, so check it out.

Visitors then can explore a map of their location and turn on and off the map overlays of TV broadcasters protected zones, as well as other protected zones.

The database and technology used on ShowMyWhiteSpace is the same as that is powering the world's first white spaces network deployed in Claudville, Virginia last October.

If you are interested in following the TV white spaces database manager process, there are a few dates to keep in mind:

• Proposals from companies that wish to be designated as authorised database managers must submit them to the FCC by January 4, 2010.
• Anyone wishing to make comments on the proposals submitted by the database manager applicants must send their comments to the FCC by February 3, 2010.
• Replies to those comments must be received by the FCC no later than February 18, 2010.

The FCC has not indicated when it will announce its selection of database managers (there will likely be several). We expect this announcement to come sometime in the summer of 2010, although it is possible it could come earlier or later than that.

Our proposal and any follow-on responses will be posted to our site. Please check back after January 4th, and subsequent response dates, if you would like to review or download copies.

Nation’s First White Spaces Network Deployed in Rural Virginia

On October 21st, a group of industry and public leaders announced that the town of Claudville, Virginia is the first community in America to use TV white spaces to deliver broadband connectivity to local residents, businesses and students.

The white spaces network, designed and deployed by Spectrum Bridge is providing the “middle mile” link between the wired backhaul and the WiFi hot spot networks deployed in Claudville’s business area as well as the school. The same network is also providing last mile broadband connectivity directly to residential users.

Dell and Microsoft donated state of the art computers, internet video equipment and software to insure the students and community could make the most of the high speed internet system. In order to prevent inference with TV broadcasters and other protected users, the radios in Claudville are managed by Spectrum Bridge's white spaces database. This database assigns non-interfering frequencies to the radios, and can adapt in real time to new TV broadcasts.

To announce this first ever white spaces network, students, business and community leaders in Claudville were connected to government and industry leaders in Washington D.C. via a live video conference over the white spaces network link connected to the Trinity Christian school in Claudville.

In Washington, DC

Over 50 representatives from the FCC, national media, congressional offices and other VIPs gathered in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. Congressman Rick Boucher explained how white spaces could be used to cross the digital divide and what getting high-speed connectivity meant to the residents of Claudville and how it could benefit other rural communities in his district and around the country. Representatives from Dell, Microsoft, Spectrum Bridge and the TDF Foundation also addressed the standing room only crowd that included FCC Commissioners Michael J. Copps and Meredith Attwell Baker.

The entire proceeding in Washington DC was broadcast live to the Trinity school in Claudville via the White Spaces network and once the speakers in D.C. were finished, the same video link enabled the speakers in Claudville to address everyone gathered in the Rayburn building.

In Claudville, VA

An assembly was held at Trinity Christian School, with the entire student body in attendance. Representatives from Congressman Boucher's office and well as the Virginia Governor's office were also present. Business and community leaders stressed how the country cannot afford to leave rural communities out of the Internet revolution and that white spaces could be used to economically close the growing "digital divide."

Jerry Whitlow, administrator of the school, explained how he would use the new equipment and high speed connectivity for distance learning both for his students and the community at large. Roger Haden, Chairman of the Patrick County Broadband Task Force, told how broadband could help fuel economic growth and improve the quality of life for Claudville residents.

News of the nation’s first white spaces network spread quickly throughout tech publications. Below is a small sampling of organizations who picked up the story; look for more to appear soon:

Ars Technica

FierceWireless

GigaOM

MIT Technology Review

RCR Wireless

Urgent Communications

Spectrum Bridge replies to FCC’s NOI on Wireless Innovation and the National Broadband Plan

With the ratification of the FCC Chairman, commissioners and other key personnel complete, the commission has embarked on a series of inquiries to determine the policy and direction the FCC will take over the next four years. One NOI (pdf) on Investment and Innovation was atypical, referencing Spectrum Bridge by name when discussing secondary markets. Because of the unique areas of interest contained in this NOI (pdf), we felt compelled to provide our insight to the commission. In our response, we addressed several key points:

• Accurate, Complete Spectrum Databases are Necessary for Efficient Spectrum Acquisition
• The TV White Space Database Can Lead to Dynamic Spectrum Allocation
• The Commission should educate the market, in part, through website enhancements that highlight the capabilities of spectrum coordination and secondary markets, as well as provide references to companies that are involved
• Much of the innovation in the wireless industry comes from small companies or those outside the wireless industry, neither of which can compete in a high stakes auction for large swaths of spectrum against entrenched incumbents
• There is no reason that a secondary market would devalue spectrum as an asset –it is just as likely to improve the value
• Spectrum Bridge urged the Commission to foster wireless innovation by facilitating the development of a vibrant and dynamic secondary spectrum market

For the full text of our NOI response please click here (pdf).

Nearly 100 companies provided input and insight to the FCC on this NOI, many of whom supported our overall objectives and some, including Verizon and CTIA, specifically referenced examples of how Spectrum Bridge is taking a leadership position and making the secondary market for spectrum in to a reality.

New Online Spectrum Management Tool Unveiled

Spectrum Bridge's newly-released "SmartWaves" allows businesses to effectively measure the utilization, performance and financial returns of their spectrum.

The “Software as a Service” (SaS) subscription platform integrates user specified data with FCC’s ULS system; creating a comprehensive, central repository of powerful, customized intelligence.

“This is the newest product for our customers and resellers that furthers our mission of transforming spectrum into a more accessible, productive and valuable resource for everyone,” said Richard Licursi, Spectrum Bridge CEO. “SmartWaves turns organizations’ spectrum assets into an integral component of their business opportunities, a benefit that is rapidly resonating with wireless professionals. By highlighting the market value and financial metrics of spectrum, SmartWaves is becoming a critical aspect of the wireless business planning process for delivering new technologies and advanced communication systems.”

“Anyone who needs to move beyond manually compiling and analyzing data on spreadsheets will appreciate SmartWaves as a replacement or enhancement to their existing system,” said Joe Caron, of Atlantic Communications Inc. “It was the Business Analytics that sold us, however. When we saw the demo we were impressed most by the market intelligence SmartWaves provides. With SmartWaves, we can now view our current spectrum market valuations down to the county level and graphically analyze competitors’ spectrum positions. That information is invaluable for an industry as competitive as ours.”

SmartWaves' easy to use interface enables users to instantaneously create cogent, graphical views and reports of their spectrum, network assets, and the marketplace that enhance strategic analysis and decision making for improved ROI.

For more information or to request a complimentary demonstration of SmartWaves, call Spectrum Bridge @ 407-792-1570, Ext. 510

Mission Critical Communication's Spectrum Alternatives Article

RadioResource's Mission Critical Communications August issue showcased a Spectrum Alternatives piece derived from Spectrum Bridge's “Part 90 Spectrum Scarcity” white paper. The article discusses how public safety entities may use frequencies commonly thought of as off-limits for certain applications.

In an example, Tillamook, Oregon had to obtain dedicated frequencies for their primary responders; they found exactly what they were looking for not in Part 90 spectrum, but in Part 22 and Part 24 channels.

The article takes up almost four pages in the printed version of the magazine, and is a great example of how the industry is utilizing Spectrum Bridge’s expertise to educate wireless audiences.

To view the online, digital version of the magazine, click here; see page 34 for the "Spectrum Alternatives" article.

Spectrum Bridge Surpasses $8 million in Spectrum Transactions, Forecasts Robust Growth

This week we announced several significant second quarter milestones, including over $8 million in secondary spectrum market transactions and related services on SpecEx.com. SpecEx has amassed a growing inventory including somewhere around three billion MHz pops, or nearly 5% the total available market in spectrum coverage. This represents over 2,200 call signs and scores of spectrum holders, making it the single largest, non-carrier aggregator of spectrum nationwide.

Launches of additional member services and resources, including the SpecEx Spectrum Index®, spectrum valuations, as well as partnering and networking services through a growing ecosystem have also made it the largest online community of spectrum professionals.

Recent testimonials include:

SpecEx.com member Jerry Wilke, president of the Rural Telecommunications Group said “Spectrum Bridge simplified the process of finding the right spectrum to expand my clients’ and RTG members’ wireless networks. I was able to quickly search through hundreds of millions of dollars worth of available spectrum and find exactly what my clients needed. People have been talking about the need for an online spectrum marketplace for years. Spectrum Bridge has delivered a powerful solution that works.”

“SpecEx is the go-to place for spectrum,” said Bob Metcalf, senior director of technology management at MidAmerican Energy. “In addition to their online tools, they have a knowledgeable team of professionals who deliver a high degree of service and expertise. This is precisely the kind of solution busy utility operations like ours need to help advance important initiatives for efficient service delivery.”

Visit SpecEx.com to see our latest upgrades.

Agencies in Close Alignment on Regulatory Strategy & LTE Technology Choice for D Block Interoperability

A few months ago, Steve Zipperstein (pictured) of Verizon Wireless spoke in Washington DC on canceling the proposed auction for the D-block and combining it with the adjacent 10 MHz already licensed to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST). The presentation called for allocating the D-Block to First Responders to facilitate the deployment of an interoperable network. Verizon also offered up its backhaul and back-end systems to support a public safety network using the spectrum. Prior to the Verizon speech, AT&T Wireless had already been floating the same idea.

In May, a group of eight public safety organizations got together and endorsed a similar plan. More recently APCO and NENA issued a joint release citing LTE as their recommended technology choice for D-block networks.

Andrew Seybold wrote in a recent article that “for the first time, the public safety community could have the upper hand.” Clearly getting to this position was the result of hard work and consensus by numerous agencies and organizations. Andy’s piece offers an in-depth analysis of where things stand today and how we got here.

Read the Seybold article here>>

Genachowski Picks Retired Admiral to Head Public Safety, Homeland Security Bureau

Admiral Jamie Barnett (ret.) has been chosen to lead the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB). "I am delighted that Admiral Barnett, with his broad and deep experience with public safety issues and familiarity with the concerns of state and local governments, will be joining the agency," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

Admiral Barnett’s 32 year military career included the roles of Deputy Commander of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and Director of Naval Education and Training at the Pentagon.

In his civilian life, Mr. Barnett advised and represented government officials as an attorney in state and federal courts over an eighteen year career of private practice. Clients included cities, counties, school districts, law enforcement agencies and development authorities.

Along with the Barnett announcement, Genachowki also named David Furth and Jennifer Manner as Deputy Chiefs of the PSHSB.

Read more at Radio Resource Group's Website.

July 8 Broadband Stimulus Webinar Available on Demand

In the July 8 “Analysis & Insights into the Broadband NOFAs & Rules” Webinar, communications attorney Stephen Coran joined Spectrum Bridge as a guest speaker. He provided analysis and insight into the Broadband Stimulus NOFA, application rules and grant criteria. Spectrum expert Peter Stanforth delivered additional access and backhaul spectrum strategies for strengthening your project’s “shovel-ready” position.

Request a recorded version or PDF copy now by clicking here.

ShowMyWhiteSpace.com Database and Shape Files Updated

ShowMyWhiteSpace.com continues to receive steady traffic. The web site provides tools and resources that make TV white space easy for everyone to find and understand. TV white space channels are the unused and unassigned TV channels left over after the digital TV transition on June 12th 2009. The FCC will allow these unused TV channels to be used by part 15 (unlicensed) wireless devices, like cordless phones, WiFi like access points, etc. However, the number and frequencies of these channels vary substantially by location.

A few days before the digital TV transition on June 12th, Spectrum Bridge updated the database used by our white space search tool with the latest FCC TV broadcast license file. Fresh shape files (used to determine in-use TV channel exclusion zones) were also generated using this updated database. These changes deliver search results that more accurately reflect the available white space channel map resulting from the June 12th DTV transition.

To find the TV white space channels anywhere in the country, please visit http://www.showmywhitespace.com/

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Continues to Address Cyber Security

In the effort to better secure the North American power grid from cyber attack, significant milestones have been reached by NERC’s Critical Infrastructure Protection program. “Cyber security and critical infrastructure protection continue to be a top priority for our organization as we work to ensure the reliability of the bulk power system in North America,” commented NERC’s CEO, Rick Sergel.

Sergel recently announced significant progress has been made in the following areas of the program:

Revised Cyber Security Standards Recently Approved:
The standards have been filed for regulatory approval in the United States and are already mandatory and enforceable in parts of Canada.

Special Cyber Risk Preparedness Assessment to Begin:
Generalized, aggregated results from the assessment will be used to inform standards development activities, alert the industry to potential areas of concern, and identify areas where research and development investment is needed.

Secure Alerting Portal Enters Pre-Launch Testing Phase:
This new portal will facilitate NERC’s alerts process, whereby the organization is able to notify nearly 5,000 industry personnel at utilities, grid operations centers, power plants, and transmission facilities of emerging vulnerabilities as they arise.

Electric Industry Education Initiative:
Scheduled to begin with a series of online webinars, the initiative will include secured and classified industry briefings coordinated with the U.S. and Canadian governments.

To learn more about the status of this NERC program, click here.

Online Spectrum Auction Fast Approaching

On July 28 & 29th, a highly desirable set of licenses will be auctioned on SpecEx.com. They consist of very high frequency (VHF) spectrum licenses covering the state of Florida and part of Georgia. This spectrum is attractive due to its geographic coverage and the wide availability of compatible analog and digital radio equipment from leading vendors.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) frequently utilizes auctions to sell spectrum to commercial entities. However, auctions have not been used to sell spectrum rights on the secondary or “aftermarket" for spectrum. SpecEx, the online marketplace for spectrum™, now enables buyers and sellers to participate private spectrum auctions.

There are a total of 31 Market-Based VHF licenses available in this particular auction. All licenses will be sold on an individual basis, with no limit to the number of licenses one buyer can purchase.

Call 407-792-1570 x521,
email customerservice@specex.com
or visit the SpecEx auction page for more information

Spectrum Bridge and UTC Partner to Answer Spectrum Questions

The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) and Spectrum Bridge Inc. have formed a partnership that makes it easier for utilities, critical-infrastructure providers and other spectrum users to access licensed wireless spectrum.

Many questions regarding upcoming wireless choices are on the minds of UTC members who are set to start receiving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars. Since proposals to receive federal grants are to be “shovel-ready,” decisions need to be made on what frequencies to build networks on:

Can unlicensed spectrum be used? Should licensed be acquired? To what extent can carrier’s frequencies be utilized? Maybe a hybrid of all three?

By leveraging SpecEx, the online marketplace for spectrum and Spectrum Bridge’s expertise, the UTC can provide additional spectrum choices to its members and other frequency coordination clientele.

With its extensive experience as an FCC-certified frequency coordinator, UTC can offer unbiased advice on buying or leasing spectrum to its customers, UTC officials said.

Steady Increase Reported in Backhaul Demand

The ever-growing popularity of smart phones is fueling a continuous demand for data service. The increase is helping carriers overcome declining revenues in other areas, but it is also causing the need for a buildup of backhaul systems.

Carriers will need to significantly develop stronger infrastructure in order to handle the increase in demand. According to market research firm Infonetics Research, by 2010, data traffic will surpass voice traffic on mobile networks and profit from backhaul equipment investments is set to explode over the next five years and beyond. Another key figure recently published says demand for mobile backhaul equipment is seen topping $10 billion by 2011.

Infonetics has predicted microwave solutions the big winner. It is estimated that 60 percent of backhaul cell site connections of most regions of the world are currently microwave, and demand is growing fast, including here in the U.S.

To address the demand, SpecEx, the online spectrum marketplace is working to boost their inventory of microwave frequencies and work with carriers to meet exploding customer's demands.

To read the Infonetics Research report, click here.

South Carolina Announces Successful Bidders for its Statewide WiMax Spectrum

The South Carolina Educational Broadband Service (EBS) Commission has recommended leasing spectrum to service providers to create accessible broadband to the populace. Clearwire and Digital Bridge would be allowed to lease up to 95% of South Carolina’s ETV’s unused spectrum.

Both Clearwire and Digital Bridge have committed to offering WiMax technology across the state. In exchange, the two companies would pay nearly $143 million over the course of a 30-year lease into a state general fund, including $7 million upfront.

“The proposal is a great opportunity for South Carolina,” said Neil Mellen, a committee member. “State government will enjoy much-needed revenues for basic services, such as school teachers and public safety, while the lion’s share of the spectrum will be in the hands of those most capable of successfully building it out: dedicated commercial providers. That means broader access, expanded service and lower rates for Internet access throughout South Carolina.”

But Brett Bursey, director of the S.C. Progressive Network stated “This is taxpayer-funded, the millions of dollars South Carolinians have put into building up the broadcast system could and should have resulted in the nation’s first statewide free wireless system.”

After review by a Joint Bond Review Committee, the State Budget and Control Board will have the final say on the proposal next month.

Tyco Electronics to Build New Rapid Transit Communications System

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) agency is now working with Tyco Electronics to deploy a new type of critical communications system. Called OpenSky, the technology will allow tracking of fixed route busses with GPS and provide frequencies to DART Police, light rail, para transit and vehicle lane operations. In addition, rider information such as rail to bus transitions will be linked and tracked.

When complete, the OpenSky solution will be able to handle over 3,000 indoor/outdoor radio users on a cutting edge private voice and data system covering 13 cities. It is based on the widely-accepted IS-732 protocol to support mobile applications with end-to-end TCP/IP connectivity.

Initially operating on DART's 800 and 900 spectrum, the system is a prime example of transportation agencies using wireless to enhance rider experience and streamline operations.

Although DART appears to have sufficient spectrum on-hand for this deployment, other agencies who do not have enough spectrum already available to deploy similar systems can readily buy or lease suitable spectrum on the secondary (i.e. open) market.

View the Tyco press release

Should the FCC Scrap the D-Block Auction Process?

A major carrier is asking the FCC and Congress not to re-auction the 700 MHz D-Block and instead directly allocate it to public safety agencies.

Steve Zipperstein (pictured) of Verizon Wireless spoke in Washington DC on allocating the D-Block to First Responders to deploy an interoperable network. Mr. Zipperstein, Vice President for Legal and External Affairs and Verizon’s General Counsel, called on the FCC to avoid requiring deployment of a specific technology, but instead to create “a national technical framework” that would create an interoperable network based on an open IP backbone.

Giving the spectrum directly to public safety agencies free of charge would be appealing to these agencies, and it also eliminates the prospect of a commercial carrier obtaining spectrum and creating a potential nationwide competitor to Verizon (and AT&T).

This somewhat self-serving interest notwithstanding, the plan would ultimately hand 700 MHz to First Responders - which isn’t a bad idea in itself.

To read more on Verizon's request, click here.

Clearwire's Spectrum Holdings Could Fuel Its Strategic Investors' Wireless Ambitions

As Clearwire fends off a class action lawsuit and acknowledges they will need billions more of investment dollars to complete their nationwide build out, one asset they hold is still keeping their strategic corporate backers smiling.

Clearwire claims to hold more valuable spectrum than any other U.S. wireless operator. To investors such as Google, Comcast, Intel and Time Warner, the frequencies mean more than just airwaves to experiment with; they could provide the spectrum needed to fuel their own wireless network ambitions.

This could give these Clearwire investors a way to directly compete with incumbent wireless carriers – with or without Clearwire’s network. It could also put more rational competitors, like Microsoft and wire line telephone companies on the defensive since they do not have ready access these massive spectrum assets.

No matter where Clearwire is headed, it will be interesting to see how their spectrum is ultimately utilized.

Satellite Phone Competition

Adding satellite capabilities into everyday cell phones and providing global coverage sounds like an attractive offer to the average consumer; especially if unit costs remain low. But where does the emerging future of connectivity leave today's carriers?

As technologies rapidly advance, the number of competitors coming from new directions are sure to increase. SkyTerra, TerreStar and Philip Falcone's (Harbinger Capital Partners) satellite cell phone plan are prime examples of what the next big thing could be.

continued story

How Much is Your Spectrum Worth?

A significant and recurring question in the spectrum industry today is “how much are my spectrum assets worth?” Besides previous FCC auction data and industry news of spectrum sales or leases, spectrum holders and buyers do not have many references or benchmarks available to them when it comes to spectrum valuation. Compiling past auction data, referencing the Internet and public information sites can be a very complex, confusing and time-consuming process.

Spectrum Bridge solves this problem with a comprehensive valuation service. The knowledge and information gathered from a valuation report places a spectrum holder or buyer in the best position in the buying or selling process. Our valuations include analysis of:

• Recent transaction data from the SpecEx marketplace
• Geographic data mapping & analysis of FCC market boundaries and surrounding site based licenses
• The Brattle Group secondary market transaction history
• ComStudy research & analysis
• Industry & market demand
• Our proprietary pricing model based on current and future population projections

Reports also provide a comprehensive description of capabilities, potential and other factors revealed through research and analysis. Specifically, our spectrum valuation reports identify:

• Comparables of recent Spectrum sales
• New and Innovative methods for uses of the Spectrum Assets
• Enterprises using similar spectrum today
• Available equipment & application types
• Impact of Incumbents, unjust enrichment and build out-requirements
• Potential Impact of proposed, pending or recent FCC rule changes
• Mapping of spectrum assets and surrounding spectrum environment
• Spectrum Bridge Appraisal Report & Valuation Services
  

Click here to view a sample report (pdf) or call us at (407) 792-1570 x513 or toll free 1-866-598-7426

Upcoming Broadband Stimulus Webinar

Co-sponsored by the Rural Telecommunications Group, The Brattle Group and Spectrum Bridge, Inc, this free, 45 minute Webinar will provide valuable insights on the requirements and selection process of applying for and securing Broadband Stimulus funds.

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program consists of $7.2 in federal funding allocated for new and expanded broadband services projects. The program has been the subject of two months of NTIA and RUS sponsored roundtable discussions for the purpose of identifying key issues the government will need to better define before issuing final rules regarding grant qualifications and award processes.

With the first grants expected to be awarded in June, decisions will likely happen quickly and close to the deadlines. This webinar is designed to help prospective applicants keep their fingers on the pulse of the latest information and inform them with strategies they’ll need for obtaining broadband stimulus funds.

Some of the topics Dr. Bazelon and Mr. Stanforth will cover are:

• Project qualifications
• Application requirements, deadlines and funding schedules
• State governments’ role
• Details determining waivers for the proposed 20% capital investment
• Economic and financial strategies to create project visibility and priority
• Licensed spectrum’s role in securing Broadband Stimulus funds
• Strategies for quickly obtaining affordable spectrum
  

Attendees will have an opportunity to pose specific questions at the conclusion of the presentation.

Key presenter Dr. Coleman Bazelon is a principal at The Brattle Group, Inc., and an expert in regulation and strategy for the wireless, wireline, and video sectors. He consults and testifies on behalf of clients in numerous telecommunications matters, and frequently advises regulatory and legislative bodies, including the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Congress.

Peter Stanforth is the CTO and co-founder of Spectrum Bridge, Inc. Prior to Spectrum Bridge, Mr. Stanforth was co-founder and CTO of MeshNetworks, Inc., where he authored numerous patents on ad hoc and broadband wireless technologies.

Attendance is free, but seats are limited. To register: http://www.stimuluswebinar.com/

Widelity Joins Spectrum Bridge Inc's Ecosystem

Our partnership with Widelity was officially announced this week on their Website's news & resources page. Spectrum Bridge has been building an "ecosystem" of wireless partners and Widelity is a valuable addition to this group.

In regard to the partnership, Widelity principal partner Ed Myers said:

“We believe Spectrum Bridge is ahead of the curve with their wireless ecosystem and online spectrum brokerage services. If we can assist Spectrum Bridge’s clients execute and operationalize their spectrum purchases, then everybody wins.”

To learn more about partnerships and business relationships with Spectrum Bridge, please visit our partner page.

FiberTower Lists Nationwide 39 GHz Licenses on SpecEx

Ideal for broadband and transport, including providing services in underserved and un-served areas, FiberTower's spectrum licenses cover 99 percent of the United States. Their 39 GHz portfolio is now listed on SpecEx.com, the online marketplace for spectrum(TM).

The spectrum may be used for:

• Backhaul
• point-to-point broadband links
• schools and libraries
• government agencies
• ports
• airports
• mining
• public safety
• disaster response
• and more

To request a detailed map and information for FiberTower and other spectrum listings, please visit SpecEx.com. Spectrum holders or seekers who want to learn more about leveraging the SpecEx marketplace to buy, sell or lease spectrum assets can also contact Mickey DeChellis directly at (407) 792-1570 x513.

The First Private Online Spectrum Auction

By enhancing SpecEx, we are now able to offer a unique auction ability for spectrum holders to market and sell their excess spectrum licenses. At the IWCE tradeshow in Las Vegas we made the announcement of an offering which will be up for auction:

(1.) Very High Frequency (VHF) spectrum licenses covering 78 counties in Florida and South Georgia

For the show, we also created a flyer with some additional info: Auction Flyer

This spectrum is highly desirable due to its geographic coverage and the wide availability of compatible digital radio equipment from leading vendors including Motorola, Kenwood, Midland and others. In fact, some of the spectrum to be auctioned is being used by Motorola to showcase their MOTOTRBO radio system at the IWCE 2009 Expo.

“With multiple wireless networks across the United States, we are focusing our resources on growing these operational markets,” said Scott MacIntyre, President of Data Radio Management Company Inc. “The undeveloped spectrum assets in Florida are valuable, but they no longer fit in to our current business plans. We’ve had a great working relationship with the Spectrum Bridge team for over a year so we are excited that they offered us the opportunity to monetize this spectrum using an online auction. One of the big advantages of an auction is that it creates an open and level playing field for all interested buyers.”

The licenses can be used for specialized mobile radio (SMR) services, as well as government and private voice/data radio systems. Utilities, oil and gas producers, casinos, transportation, public safety and emergency response agencies, as well as other enterprises and agencies that must reliability communicate with large fleets of two-way radios, can benefit from this spectrum.

For additional auction information, complete prospectus or other license details, please call 1-866-598-7426 or contact Mickey DeChellis at (407) 792-1570 x513.

We also have an area set up on our homepage titled "Announcing the Industry's First Online Spectrum Auction" with some linked articles and the official press release.

Additional licenses for sale or lease can be found at SpecEx.com.

An Overview of the Broadband Stimulus with a Wireless Perspective

By Christian L. Duffus, CFO, Spectrum Bridge, Inc.

OVERVIEW:
There is a unique opportunity in the wireless industry as presented in the Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning, Telemedicine and Broadband Program section of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Act”) also commonly referred to as the “Broadband Stimulus Package.”

Specifically, $1 billion or over 35% of the $2.825 billion for Broadband Deployment Grants has been stipulated towards Wireless (see section 3102 of this Act). The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) will be carrying out the program designed to award grants to eligible entities for the non-recurring costs associated with the deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural, suburban, and urban areas.

The section of the Act relating to Wireless Deployment Grants, states the priorities as (i) wireless voice service in un-served areas and (ii) advanced wireless broadband service in underserved areas which are defined as those not representing, in the aggregate, more than 20 percent of the population or of the geographic area of such State. Additionally, there is extra consideration for proposals that can be accomplished in the near-term, or timeline of the Act.

CONSIDERATIONS:

There will be a number of one-off opportunities to receive grant funds to build and strengthen your business.

Applicants that have well conceived plans and resources will be given priority consideration. Furthermore, many of the program objectives and implementation processes are quite vague. It behooves prospective participants to engage and shape the process; the NTIA is open and willing to take feedback on your ideas.

That said, one way to increase the likelihood of receiving grant funds are creative, public-private partnerships where you can bring something to the table (i.e., spectrum). Many not-for-profit entities are in some cases better situated for selection over some for-profit only entities. This is driven by a number of the public service stipulations to the Act funds. Conversely these not-for-profits may not have the capabilities to complete the proposals because of their lack of technical ability and/or assets or vice versa. If you don’t already license, one example is to secure, purchase or lease options on available spectrum (see: SpecEx.com) in the intended rural service areas to “bring something to the table.” These organizations can include but are not limited to Cities, Counties, Public Safety, Educational and Healthcare institutions. Finally, by bringing your technical and operational know-how as a WISP, you would add tremendous value to the success of these organizations’ proposals and your business plans.

KEY DATES:
Public Meetings Schedule:

• March 16 (Washington, DC)
• March 17 (Las Vegas, NV)
• March 18 (Flagstaff, NM)
• March 19 (Washington, DC)
• March 23 (Washington, DC)
• March 24 (Washington, DC)

These meetings also will be streamed on the Internet (www.ntia.doc.gov).

Funding Schedule:

• April-June 2009
• October-December 2009
• April-June 2010

It is likely that funding for a round will be completed before applications for the following round are submitted. Application deadlines will be announced in Notices of Availability of Funds that will be published in the Federal Register (www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/). (Source Rini Coran)