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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.
Spectrum Bridge exhibited at the 2009 Annual National Educational Broadband Services convention in Boca Raton, Florida February 23rd through the 25th. Panel speaker Bob Rini of Rini-Coran addressed legal concerns for EBS holders who must meet the May 2011 substantial service requirements, and provided tips on finding innovative ways to monetize their excess capacity EBS spectrum. Among other highly 
attended sessions included one on the $7 billion Broadband Stimulus Package and several outstanding sessions on mobile learning technologies and other creative distance learning techniques. Some of the exciting curricula presented included case studies of elementary and secondary science and biology programs involving transmission of real time data captured directly from tropical rain forests by and to students in classrooms here in the U.S.
“This is a great group whose members are committed to applying cutting edge wireless technology for anytime, anywhere learning for students,” said Walt Bolil, EBS Advisor and Business Development Manager at Spectrum Bridge. “We were delighted to talk to so many members who are also looking for creative solutions to monetize their excess EBS capacity for funding these valuable programs, and look forward to helping them.”
EBS holders may contact Walt directly for a complimentary consultation on their excess spectrum assets at (407) 792-1570 x531
South Carolina’s Educational Broadband Services (EBS) Commission request for proposals (RFP) has been extended to Friday, February 27, 2009. The RFP, which is seeking bids for more than 67 of South Carolina’s statewide EBS spectrum licenses, is currently being promoted on Spectrum Bridge’s SpecEx™ online marketplace. This statewide 2.5 GHz spectrum offering, which covers about 5.6 million people, can support a wide range of broadband communications.
More information, a link to the official RFP, interactive map and other resources can be found on the spectrumbridge.com homepage.
South Carolina is currently offering statewide coverage of 2.5 GHz EBS spectrum for lease. The state has been collecting the licenses over the past few years and even formed a commission to oversee the management of the assets.
Spectrum Bridge, Inc. recently issued a press release about the offering of SC's holdings. According to the release:
The RFP process, which is currently under way, is
being enhanced via interactive spectrum-mapping technology developed by Spectrum Bridge for its SpecEx™ online spectrum marketplace. All licenses available from the Commission via the RFP can be researched, and customized views can be created, via a dedicated page on the SpecEx.com website. SpecEx attracts a wide range of potential bidders including both traditional and non-traditional 2.5 GHz wireless users.
“South Carolina is offering an impressive portfolio of broadband spectrum, and we are pleased to help them in their efforts to get the most value from their licenses,” said Richard Licursi, CEO of Spectrum Bridge. “The breadth and depth of licenses contained in this RFP represents a once-in-a-lifetime offering of broadband and WiMAX-ready spectrum. We anticipate it will attract interest from a wide range of bidders from within,
and outside of, the wireless industry."
This particular offering offers coverage of approximately 5.6 million people with 67 licenses available in whole or part. The RFP (pdf) has a Feb. 16, 2009 deadline.
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. 
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