The cable companies may make a different decision, he continues. Assuming that cable wants to deliver a “mobile triple play of content, Internet, and voice services,” the technology they choose is likely to depend on when they want to launch. “If they want to do something in the 2007 time frame, HSDPA gives them the best choice on a complete ecosystem basis, devices and infrastructure included. If they want to do 24 months down the line, to 2008-2009, they may want what is coming out next in the 3GPP evolution, which is LTE, Long Term Evolution. This will give them a fantastic platform on which they can build for the future.” Townsend and his companies believe LTE provides flexibility and that by adopting it at the beginning of its lifecycle, allows them and others to reap benefits over a 10-15 year period.
Evolution of phones and computers
With more spectrum and more services available, consumers will be able to make more choices about their handsets’ capabilities. “All phones will have 3G capabilities; it’s just a natural evolution of the devices,” says Amoroso. The question then becomes how good the data experience is on the handsets. “What you’re going to see is bifurcation between devices that are cool and sexy and slim, but may not be suited for the best browsing experience, and other devices that enable those activities a little bit more, perhaps more music capability or with a trackball, a larger keypad or larger screen.”
Manufacturers of wireless devices are prepared to meet service and technology
demands. “We are in constant dialog with the operators who are our customers from both an infrastructure and a device perspective. As these customers and potential customers are going into an auction and looking to obtain additional spectrum to deploy more network and service architecture, we obviously are having a dialog with them well in advance and through their participation in that auction. So the auction ending doesn’t necessarily dictate some new frantic round of activity; we’ve been planning,” says Plummer.
“What used to be a voice-optimized device operating over one or another radio standard is now a multi-radio handheld computer that not only features a multi-megapixel camera, a multi-gigabyte music player, a rich internet browser and
always-on secure e-mail, but it also makes phone calls.”
Customers are also going to be more demanding of their mobile devices as the
services become available, says Bhikshesvaran. They will want smooth video, high
fidelity music and increased battery capacity. “All of these things have to
come together in order for a device to be compelling for an end user.”
In fact, the entire wireless experience should soon be more compelling for consumers thanks to the AWS auction. “It was really capitalism at its best,” says
Townsend. “Having more spectrum is going to permit the development of new and better services, and it is going to force existing operators to continue to continue to improve their networks and their products to compete against these new entrants.”
CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC
The FCC has designated CTIA-The Wireless Association® to act as a clearinghouse to facilitate the relocation of incumbent licensees now that the 2006 Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) auction is complete.
To ensure the independence and neutrality of its clearinghouse, CTIA has established a new entity, the CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC, to serve as the non-profit cost-sharing clearinghouse.
The CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC is committed to administering the cost?sharing functions for relocation of Broadband Radio Service (BRS) and Fixed Microwave Service (FS) incumbents from the 2.1 GHz band on a fair and equitable basis.