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Technology Stocks : LAST MILE TECHNOLOGIES - Let's Discuss Them Here -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Dexter Lives On who wrote (12093)	2/1/2002 4:34:40 PM
From: Raymond Duray	Respond to of 12823

Thanks Rob, I wasn't sure where you were headed at first. But I think you see this pretty clearly. <g> -Ray

To: Dexter Lives On who wrote (12093)	2/4/2002 5:04:24 PM
From: Dexter Lives On	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12823

Chart in upstream post is making the 3gee picture clearer with each passing day <vbg> Message 16997627 Tomorrow is a "strap on your reinforced helmet" day for 3g bet takers... JMHO. Rob 3gee is looking like the Rams - overhyped and outgunned!

To: Dexter Lives On who wrote (12093)	2/16/2002 12:16:50 PM
From: foundation	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12823

re: MMDS is not available for mobility usage. ========== Sprint lauds FCC decision to allow flexible use of MMDS spectrum. eprairie.com CHICAGO – Sprint Broadband Direct's high-speed fixed wireless service and its employees are currently under duress, sources tell ePrairie, as the company reacts to a recent FCC verdict. The Federal Communications Commission decided last Monday to give greater flexibility to the owners of fixed wireless spectrum by allowing them to use the communications frequency for mobile communications as well. Carriers that use the band, which they purchased inexpensively and are now finding to be very valuable, are targeting the asset for use with high-speed third-generation (3G) wireless systems and applications. "The idea behind this decision is we're looking for a home for 3G mobile applications ... by giving flexibility for it without guaranteeing it," said Rodney Small, an economist in the FCC's office of engineering and technology. Though the FCC said last Monday that it "promotes the continued introduction of fixed wireless broadband services," Small says, "This could lessen the use of fixed wireless [and increase mobile], but that would be in the public interest because it would mean mobile has more value." He adds that this decision displeases hardcore 3G proponents, such as those at Verizon who wanted the FCC to require companies to do away with their fixed wireless spectrum and have it auctioned off completely. Small also said that Sprint and WorldCom, which thought they were already making good use of their fixed wireless spectrum, were influential with the FCC in preventing the complete reallocation of the spectrum to mobile systems. The FCC sees this decision as a first step and a compromise between people who wanted to reallocate the spectrum and others who didn't want to change anything at all. Small warns that no true mobile applications can yet be performed on this band until further rulemaking takes place. The FCC said last month it intends to delay an auction for additional 3G spectrum by nearly two years, which has added to the urgency of some carriers for more spectrum. Sources tell ePrairie that Sprint has spent nearly $1 billion on its fixed wireless spectrum and significant funds lobbying for the FCC's decision. Small says that carriers have spent nearly $10 billion total for all available fixed wireless spectrum. Carriers like Sprint are now faced with the quandary of whether to keep their fixed wireless service alive or boost their mobile side. While some, like Sprint, have already invested heavily in fixed spectrum, most industry experts agree that mobile offers much greater potential. Sources within Sprint say there's little question that the company will make the move to mobile. One source said there is "100-percent probability" that Sprint will reallocate the spectrum to mobile uses because there's "more value in mobile." The source warns that all fixed wireless may be facing a "telecom Vietnam" that could eventually end in its near or total elimination. This of course would be a boon for high-speed cable and DSL providers because they'd have one less competitor to face in the margin-crushing market for high-speed Internet access. Consumers, on the other hand, will likely face increased broadband prices and fewer provider choices. Sprint last Monday issued a statement lauding the decision: "Sprint commends the FCC for its decision against relocating current users of the 2,500 to 2,690 MHz spectrum band and allowing continued use for fixed wireless services by MMDS ... licensees. Sprint agrees with the FCC's decision to protect incumbents from interference while allowing market forces to determine the feasibility of using this spectrum for additional services." MMDS, or "Multichannel Multipoint Distribution System" technology, is used by carriers such as Sprint Broadband Direct in Chicago, which beams a signal out 35 miles in all directions from a large dish atop the Sears Tower to small dishes on homes. Cellular technology typically uses the 800 MHz band, whereas PCS (Personal Communications System) typically utilizes the 1,900 MHz band.