The
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a joint proposal
for spectrum sharing by AT&T and Sirius XM. Starting October 12,
2012, the two companies can now share under-utilized spectrum in the
Wireless Communication Services (WCS) satellite radio band. This will help speed up
AT&T's ongoing rollout of out its 4G long-term evolution (LTE) network.
The
FCC has given permission for AT&T to use 30 megahertz of
barely-utilized spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band for its wireless
broadband services. However, AT&T will only be able to use 20 MHz
from this windfall of capacity.
10
MHz on either side of the approved frequency will be used for fixed
broadband services. These interference buffers will prevent
interference with satellite radio in adjacent bands. Sirius XM
currently uses this particular satellite spectrum.
Back
in June, Sirius and AT&T made a joint proposal to the FCC. The
companies asked for permission to co-exist in their use of the same
spectrum. The FCC has finally approved that plan this Monday.
Joan
Marsh, vice president of federal regulatory issues for AT&T,
issued a statement saying that the FCC's adoption of the new service
rules is beneficial on two counts. First, it will allow LTE
technologies to be deployed in in the WCS band. At the same time, it
will protect satellite radio services from interference.
According
to VP Marsh, AT&T took on significant risks when it chose to
develop the under-utilized band has paid off. The Company continues
to be commited in unlocking the band's full potential and using the
additional spectrum capacity to enhance wireless broadband services
and support increasing use of mobile Internet. AT&T predicts it
can start deploying LTE infrastructure in the band in three years.
Back
in August, AT&T spent $600 million to acquire NextWave Wireless
and the latter company's spectrum licenses in the WCS and Advanced
Wireless Service (AWS) bands. The acquisition boosted AT&T's own
spectrum holdings and its developing 4G LTE network.
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