Nucentrix Files for FCC Approval to Launch Broadband Fixed-Wireless Services
Licenses Will Allow Nucentrix to Offer High-Speed Wireless Internet Service in 70 Markets
PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2000--Nucentrix Broadband Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:NCNX - news), today announced that it has filed applications with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for authorization to use its spectrum to provide broadband fixed-wireless services in 70 markets across Texas and the midwestern United States. The filing took place in the FCC's initial filing window of Aug. 14-18, 2000. This was the first opportunity for operators of Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) and Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) radio frequencies to file for licenses to provide two-way communications services.
``We have passed another critical phase in our plan to roll out reliable high-speed Internet access and other broadband services to businesses and residential consumers in our markets,'' said Carroll McHenry, Chairman and CEO of Nucentrix. ``Our pre-launch team is in full swing as we prepare to deploy our networks. Soon we will be able to show our customers how broadband connectivity can revolutionize the way they conduct business and use the Internet at home. We also look forward to working with our ITFS partners to bring them cutting-edge broadband access solutions as we continue to help bridge the 'digital divide' in the medium and small markets that we serve.''
The recent filing window represents the culmination of the combined efforts of the MMDS/ITFS industry and the FCC to facilitate the use of this spectrum for a wide range of enhanced digital and two-way communications services. Under the FCC's new streamlined licensing process, operators will have 60 days after filing to modify their applications to resolve any conflicts with neighboring systems. After that, if no petitions to deny an application are filed during a second 60-day period, the application automatically will be considered granted.
Nucentrix recently announced the successful completion of an initial technology trial with Cisco Systems in Austin, Texas. The company expects to complete a second trial in Amarillo, Texas by October 2000. Following regulatory authorization for its applications, Nucentrix plans to launch fixed-wireless broadband services in at least 20 markets by the end of 2001.
About Nucentrix
Nucentrix Broadband Networks, Inc. provides broadband wireless network and subscription television services using up to 196 MHz of radio spectrum in the 2.1 GHz and 2.5 - 2.7 GHz range, commonly referred to as Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) and Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS). Nucentrix Internet Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, operates high-speed Internet access businesses under temporary developmental FCC licenses in Austin and Sherman-Denison, Texas. Nucentrix currently holds broadband wireless spectrum rights in 94 medium and small markets across Texas and the midwestern United States, including four markets which Nucentrix has agreed to purchase under a definitive agreement or letter of intent, each of which is subject to customary closing conditions.
This media release contains forward-looking statements regarding the business and operations of Nucentrix. These statements are identified by words such as ``will,'' ``prepare,'' ``expects,'' ``plans'' and other words referring to events to occur in the future. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from the statements in this media release, including failing to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (including the two-way authorizations mentioned in this media release), deploy services based on the company's currently-anticipated technology platform and finalize pending transactions. Other risks and uncertainties regarding Nucentrix, the industries in which it operates and the implementation of its business strategy are described in Nucentrix's Form 10-Q filed Aug. 11, 2000, Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2000, Form 10-K filed March 30, 2000 (as amended by Form 10-K/A) and other SEC reports of Nucentrix filed after April 1, 1999. Nucentrix undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this media release. |
