Spectrum and Wireless Broadband – Where do we go from here?

While many were debating the pros and cons of net neutrality the past few weeks, the FCC subtly released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) “Promoting More Efficient Use of Spectrum Through Dynamic Spectrum Use Technologies”. To summarize, the FCC has asked the telecommunications industry for comments on how we can better utilize “dynamic spectrum access radios and techniques” to support the expanding mobile broadband usage.

As noted in the Ars Technica blog posted last week, some of the FCC proposals under consideration include:

• Extending the current white space device service, which relies on databases telling you what spectrum is available for use at any given moment

• Continue to advance sensing technologies, allowing current license owners a way to lease their unused or underutilized spectrum to other parties

• Developing technologies to group non-contiguous spectrum usage, creating more available bandwidth
  

Spectrum is the backbone of the telecommunications industry, the most critical component of enabling wireless communications. We cannot wait for more spectrum to become available to keep pace with consumer’s bandwidth demands while supporting existing network infrastructures. As with the wireless evolution of the past two decades, there is opportunity today for many new technologies to arise as solutions are proposed and developed for a more efficient spectrum utilization model.

So what can the industry do to improve broadband connections? At Spectrum Bridge, we support the Commission’s ideas, believing equipment flexibility, improved spectrum management and a better understanding of usage can benefit the industry today, without major upheavals or rule changes. Our four White Space trial networks have successfully demonstrated the “database access model” works for managing shared access for unlicensed devices in the TV bands. And SpecEx has always been about creating a marketplace where holders and buyers of spectrum could come together and leverage the secondary spectrum market, enabling spectrum to flow more freely in response to economic demand. Read more about how we are continuing to improve software and services for next generation wireless networking.

And we encourage all to add comments to the FCC Notice of Inquiry, sharing your ideas and recommendations to improve the current processes; responses are due on February 28, 2011 and can be submitted here, proceeding number 10-237.

Peter Stanforth, Chief Technology Officer

Spectrum Bridge and GE partner to provide solutions for mission critical network deployments

Spectrum Bridge recently announced a relationship with GE Energy, a leader in advanced communications systems for the Utility, Oil & Gas, Water/Wastewater and Heavy Industrial markets, to offer a new industrial data networking solution for use in mission critical applications.

GE Energy and Spectrum Bridge have partnered to help certify the MDS SD2 radio which is now able to operate in the 216-222MHz frequency range of spectrum. The new wireless network solution utilizes the licensed 218-219 MHz (Interactive Video & Data Service) band of spectrum, ideal for applications which require long range links, transmission through dense foliage, and building penetration.

Several existing licenses of IVDS including 6 of the Top 10 NFL markets are currently available on SpecEx.com. The IVDS spectrum is considered ideal for industrial wireless networking solutions supporting multiple applications including:

• Smart Grid
• Smart Meter
• Distribution Automation SCADA
• Remote PLC & Measurement devices
• Water/wastewater control and Remote Monitoring

Expanding the use of this previously underutilized and unencumbered spectrum into the industrial enterprise markets demonstrates Spectrum Bridge’s core business of providing greater availability and access to spectrum bandwidth and the efficient allocation within a wireless network. For more information, click here.

- Sheri Ridenour, Senior Account Manager

Find Available Licensed Spectrum Online

EVENT PRESENTATION SERIES
Key portions of presentations given by Spectrum Bridge
Post 3

In answer to the FCC’s request for making spectrum more readily available and easier to obtain, there have been a variety of methods created for license holders and new entities looking to complete spectrum transactions. Many of these exist in the spreadsheets on the desks of traditional Spectrum Brokers, but the standout of the wireless industry is called SpecEx.

As the online marketplace for spectrum™, SpecEx allows unequalled access to frequencies currently being offered by license holders. Dubbed “the eBay of wireless spectrum,” a visitor of SpecEx.com can quickly search available licenses by radio code, frequency band, location and more.

SpecEx also acts as a service to request specific frequencies of spectrum across the US. If a visitor cannot find what they are searching for in the exchange’s database, the site accepts spectrum requests from members and non-members alike. With their secondary market knowledge, SpecEx associates help find frequencies and even post requests to the “Wanted Ads” section of the Website.

With a next-generation exchange like SpecEx, professionals have a streamlined way to sell, lease, partition, disaggregate, time share and purchase spectrum; just as the FCC has envisioned. In a world where we hear the phrase, “spectrum scarcity” used so often, this online exchange provides instant access to available spectrum and removes previous roadblocks of secondary market spectrum transactions.

Next in the series, we’ll discuss the Future of TV White Spaces

Video Interview with Chairman Genachowski on the Spectrum Shortage

Fortune taped an interview with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at the 2010 CES show in Las Vegas. Below is about 60 seconds of the interview where he talks directly to the spectrum shortage.

Spectrum Bridge was formed several years ago when the company founders realized that wireless networks would face increasing bandwidth and coverage constraints due to a lack of available spectrum. To address this Spectrum Bridge has brought several revolutionary products and services to market as part of a multifaceted approach to:

• Increasing access to all types of spectrum.
  
• Improving allocation to better match available spectrum to network and application demands
• Helping network operators more efficiently use spectrum to deliver more bandwidth

These products and services include:

1. SpecEx:The online marketplace for spectrum®. Find over $500 million of secondary market spectrum available for sale or lease - online.
2. SmartWaves: The industry's leading spectrum asset manager and business analytic solution.
3. ShowMyWhiteSpace TV white spaces database: This database powers the world's first TV white spaces wireless network in Claudville VA, as well as ShowMyWhiteSpace.com - where anyone can conduct a simple and free search to find available TV white spaces at any location in the United States. Spectrum Bridge submitted a proposal to the FCC to be named a white spaces database manager on January 4th.
4. Universal Spectrum Access: Using database driven dynamic spectrum allocation to cost-effectively identify, manage and optimize spectrum use within (and across) wireless networks and application.

We’d like to hear from you about the impact that spectrum scarcity is having on your business or industry.

• How has spectrum availability influenced your business or industry’s wireless growth or expansion?
• What wireless services and applications do you see experiencing the biggest impact by spectrum availability?
• What do you think should be done from a policy or technical standpoint?
• What solutions are you employing or planning to deal with this issue?

Rick Rotondo
CMO & Co-Founder
Spectrum Bridge Inc.

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.

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.

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.

Spectrum Marketplace Gets Upgraded

SpecEx, the online marketplace for spectrum™ announced new features for members and visitors this week. An email alert was sent out notifying members and interested parties of the recent upgrades, with a bulleted list of additions:

• Real-time searches for available spectrum – now open to ALL visitors – search now
• Satellite mapping of offered frequencies
• Share, print or bookmark favorite listings
• “Knowledge Center” containing complete historical auction data

These features were added to the original SpecEx features:

• Nationwide spectrum inventory
• Request spectrum you need
• Custom “Watch List” feature
• One-step easy listing of unused spectrum assets
• A growing channel partner program
• Access to spectrum experts

One of the most significant changes to the SpecEx site is the ability for non-members to do a search for available spectrum from the homepage. Earlier versions of the site required membership to search through the marketplace's inventory (with a possible fee attached). But now, with the browsing ability open to all, the SpecEx site has become more friendly to anyone curious to what is accessible on the secondary market.

SpecEx v1.5 Released

By Michelle Palmer, Director of Software Engineering, Spectrum Bridge

In our latest release of SpecEx, we have reached out to the licensed spectrum community to identify and prioritize a list of system enhancements. Our goal around this effort was to increase the usability of our products and services for both seekers and sellers of spectrum. As a result, we have added valuable data visualization tools and developed intuitive operational methods for member actions.

The following listing describes major enhancements added to the system for release 1.5 of SpecEx.com:

Enhanced Mapping Base Data
We have upgraded our spectrum mapping visualization capabilities by adding satellite imagery and have increased the granularity of our base map to include local roadways and bodies of water. By making these changes we are effectively assisting users in determining if the spectrum they are selling or looking to purchase/lease has any discerning characteristics such as water bodies, high population levels, and varying ground elevations. These capabilities allow for better planning and implementation of a wireless network infrastructure.

Fixed Transmitter Contour Visualization
There has been much excitement about our newest capability of mapping fixed transmitter locations for site based and microwave licenses. We have developed and implemented calculations to display estimated service contours boundaries by frequency and have calculated area (sq miles) and population data for each contour boundary within a license. This powerful feature gives spectrum holders and buyers the capability of truly distinguishing coverage areas for network implementations.

Linkage to FCC Website for Portfolio Tracking
We have enabled users to register their FRN numbers with us for portfolio tracking and have built direct links to the FCC for viewing of license details for a selected call sign. This allows for an up to date view on license and lease details while still allowing for interaction within SpecEx.

Spectrum Holder Comments and Disclosures to Potential Buyers or Lessees
We understand how important it is for potential users of spectrum to understand what it is they are buying, for this reason we have added the capability for holders to specify comments and disclosures to buyers along with updated construction and reporting dates. Disclosures include the ability to specify if the spectrum has a geographic partitioning and/or channel disaggregation.

Spectrum Listing Search
Our spectrum listing search tools now include the ability for users to search market and/or site based listings by geographic area. A spatial query is performed using our underlying databases to show the user the spectrum they need where they need it. This new search type may be used in tandem with our original licensed based search capabilities. The user may specify the number of records to display on the results screen and whether or not they would like to view the listings on a map.

Spectrum Holder Listing Review
Spectrum sellers now have the ability of filtering and sorting their active spectrum listings in a variety of ways (FRN, Call Sign, Bids/Offers, Price, and Listing Creation date). SpecEx will display the total estimated spectrum value based on ask price set for spectrum listings and the filters selected.

Export Capabilities
The addition of export routines allows holders and buyers of spectrum to export their search results and holder listings to a Microsoft Excel worksheet for offline viewing and record keeping.


Future releases for the site are already in the works. We are continuously receiving feedback in the form of our community’s thoughts, opinions, and request for enhancements. We would like to invite you to try our system either on your own or via demonstration and look forward to any comments you may have.

SpecEx has always been about creating a marketplace where holders and seekers of spectrum could come together and leverage the secondary spectrum market; with your help it is successfully happening.

The eBay of Wireless Spectrum

Network World published a great piece on Spectrum Bridge and the new online marketplace for spectrum: SpecEx. The article hit on major points relating to the FCC, past attempts at the spectrum marketplace idea, numerous quotes, and nails some points we are currenty explaining to interested users.

See the article here: SpecEx the eBay of Wireless Spectrum

Press Releases and Forbes

Among the notable sources which are now talking about Spectrum Bridge and our product, SpecEx are:

• forbes.com
• techcrunch
• moconews.net
• fiercewireless
• washingtonpost.com
• nytimes.com
• TheRegister

Each of these links goes directly to the story about SpecEx. We are trying to keep a running list of stories on our news page, but things are taking off so quickly we're bound to miss some!