Spectrum Bridge Database Solution facilitates Spectrum sharing in 5GHz Band

Spectrum Bridge has partnered with the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) creating the UNII Device Interference Advisor (UDIA). The UDIA is a spectrum database solution that provides network operators in the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) frequencies (5.47-5.725 GHz) an easy way to search and find whether their towers potentially interfere with Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) systems.

There are currently 47 TDWR systems located nationwide; operators and installers are being encouraged to voluntarily register and manage their device information in the online database. UDIA was developed to promote cooperation between the federal agencies including the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the wireless industry and to ensure the safe and interference free operation of the FAA’s TDWR network.

Mitigating interference issues between unlicensed wireless devices operating in a frequency band shared with TDWRs makes available approximately 300 MHz of previously unusable spectrum. Efficiently sharing this spectrum not only helps meet the demands outlined in the FCC National Broadband Plan, it also supports Spectrum Bridge’s Universal Spectrum Access vision. Additionally, equipment manufacturers and the wireless industry may also look ahead to the certification of new U-NII equipment. For more information on the release of the database powered by Spectrum Bridge, click here.

- Peter Stanforth, CTO

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/

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)