ROW Update

U.S. military likely to dig in its heels on 3G spectrum debate Congressional sources are saying that a previously proposed plan to move the U.S. military out of the 1700 MHz band to make way for the allocation of 3G spectrum in that band won't likely carry much weight following the terrorist attacks on American soil September 11. The source told a U.S.-based trade publication that "the chances before (the attacks) were long, (but) now they are even longer." Harold Furchtgott-Roth, former commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission, told a U.S. business publication that wrestling the 1700 MHz band away from the Department of Defense at this juncture isn't likely to happen. Industry analysts tend to agree as well. Roger Entner, an analyst at the Yankee Group, bluntly stated, "they (the U.S. commercial wireless operators) can kiss that spectrum goodbye." The industry, on the other hand, hopes that the 3G debate doesn't get forgotten in the anti-terrorist wave. "I hope this doesn't get lost in the national security debate," said Brian Fontes, VP of federal relations at Cingular Wireless. As for this side of the 49th Parallel, there's likely not much that can be done. Canadian wireless interests will probably have no choice but to follow the American lead. Spectrum allocation debate fades after terror attacks Spectrum off-limits after attack Telecom Issues Less Pressing After Terrorist Attacks Toronto-based Imark set to bring high-speed access to truckers on the go Next month, truckers will be able to get high-speed Internet access in the cab of their 18-wheelers. Toronto-based Imark Corp will begin offering its eHighwayman.com service using a constellation of geostationary satellites operated by Hughes to create a virtual private network for shippers, drivers and their fleets. Truckers will get unlimited access to the Internet from anywhere in North America for about $200/month. More details. Plaintree plans to acquire competitor, expands product capabilities Plaintree Systems Inc has announced plans to acquire a free-space optics competitor that will enable the Ottawa-based company to add new features to its WaveBridge product line. New capabilities such as comprehensive system management and auto tracking will be built into the WaveBridge family of products. Plaintree president and CEO David Watson says the acquisition of LaserWireless saves the company about a year in development time and associated costs. The acquisition of LaserWireless Inc, Lancaster PA, is valued at about US$2.3 million and will be financed through the issuance of up to 8.5 million shares of Plaintree, depending on the its share price at the end of this year. Plaintree Systems signs letter of intent to acquire LaserWireless Look folks…No wires OA Group to speed up deployment of high-speed Internet in western Canada OA Group Inc, Calgary, has signed a letter of intent to acquire Q-Tel, which will enable the company to speed up deployment of its fixed wireless network in Alberta. The proposed acquisition is valued at $2.2 million and will be paid for by the issuance of 7.4 million shares of OA Group. Once the acquisition is complete, Q-Tel will then manage the deployment and expansion of the OA Group's wireless division which includes the rollout of a wireless network operating in the 3.5 GHz range to more than 70 communities in rural Alberta. More details. Spectrum Signal gets grants to expand capabilty of software-defined radio Burnaby BC-based Spectrum Signal Processing Inc has received a $500,000 grant from the Defence Industrial Research Program to add ultra-wide band capabilities to its felxComm software-defined radio (SDR) architecture. The subsystem will then be integrated into a military satellite communications terminal, which will be tested by the Communications Research Centre and Defence Research Establishment Ottawa. Manuel Uhm, senior manager strategic marketing in the wireless systems group at Spectrum Signal, explains that data throughput rates with ultra-wide band systems are enormous compared to current mobile wireless systems. While traditional CDMA networks operate with 1.25 MHz channels and next generation CDMA will move to 5 MHz channels, this new version of the flexComm radio could very well have 400 MHz channels, Uhm tells Report on Wireless. While SDR is really still at the development stage and will, for the near future, be limited to military applications, Uhm says the technology will eventually make its way into commercial wireless and satellite systems. The United States recently removed a major barrier to the commercial use of the technology when it changed the rules regarding the labeling of altered software defined radios. Spectrum Signal Processing Receives Funding for Software FCC adopts rule changes to faciliate deployment of software defined radio technology Federal Communications Commission Microcell introduces first GPRS-enabled device Microcell Telecommunications Inc has introduced its first GPRS-enabled device unleashing a new generation of wireless data services and applications. Its Microcell Solutions subsidiary unveiled the Motorola P280 handset and bundled voice and data services package last week. Since the April 2001 completion of the company's GPRS network, there has been much anticipation for the introduction of devices that take full advantage of the new network speeds, which can reach 56k. The WAP-enabled P280 is priced at $500, provides always-on connectivity, and even enables laptop owners to use the phone as a modem. More information on the service pricing is available on Microcell's web site. More details. GPRS key to overcoming high-risk appearance of 3G A UK-based market research firm says that GPRS will be a key driver behind the development of the wireless data market and will help mitigate the high-risk image of third generation wireless. The ARC Group writes in "3G Technology, Market and Business Strategies" that fundamental elements for success will be compelling services and competitive pricing which stimulate adoption and usage. Revenue from 2.5G value-added services alone will account for nearly a quarter of total wireless operator revenue by 2006. 3G: Technology, Markets and Business Strategies The Success of 2.5G Underpins 3G Growth Satellite phone demand increases dramatically Iridium Satellite LLC and Globalstar LP are both reporting increased demand for its satellite phones, which is good news for the struggling industry. The two companies say demand is coming from a wide range of users looking to maintain a communications line in light of the pending war against terrorism. Representatives from Globalstar told Associated Press that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the secret service, television networks and corporations have all made inquiries about acquiring satellite handsets. More details.

ROW Update

News | September 24, 2001

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