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Technology Stocks : The *NEW* Frank Coluccio Technology Forum -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: ftth who wrote (27521)	7/24/2008 8:24:51 PM
From: axial	Respond to of 46821

Hi ftth - Re: "Are you making a similar existence-related comment to mine?" Yes and no. Two years ago the comment was that "the battle will be fought at spectrum" and so far, the operators are winning. Except in cases like Sprint's, Wimax operators haven't been able to obtain spectrum on the same basis as existing operators. The obvious reason: less mature Wimax technology can't offer the same QOS as existing mobile technology. Second reason: existing operators have the cash flow to acquire and pro-rate spectrum buys over the projected "life" of their purchase (although obviously new consortia can be assembled). Third reason: Both LTE and Wimax envision big slices of spectrum, i.e., altered usage patterns, but only Europe and the UK are changing, and considering changing spectrum allocation. The recent US 700 MHz auction was instructive. --- The point I'm arguing isn't just a question of larger contiguous blocks of spectrum - which would apply to both Wimax and LTE, BTW. It's also the need for change in allocation, and the difficulties of transition - especially with different users having different expiry dates on different blocks. The entrenched position of operators and their lobbying can't be ignored. They've paid hefty sums to governments. Whether we like it or not, they've bought the seat that sits closest to the most important ears. This goes to the issue of dislocating operators from their advantageous position - because unless that is done, harmonization will be at their discretion. What 700 MHz taught us (those who didn't already know) is that if you're not prepared to pay, you don't get to play. Surprise, the ones prepared to pay were existing operators. IMO it's a big mistake to discuss harmonization without considering the pivotal role of operators. Not sure I answered your question... perhaps it comes from a different direction than you were expecting. Jim