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FCC delays Dish Network mobile plan
06 March 2012
FCC approves Dish’s purchase of spectrum but tells it to wait for new rules for terrestrial networks
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Dish
Ergen
satellite
FCC
LightSquared
spectrum
GPS
The US Federal Communications Commission has allowed Dish Network, a satellite TV broadcaster, to purchase spectrum of satellite companies TerreStar Networks and DBSD North America for a high-speed wireless network, but it is delaying approval for the launch of a new mobile broadband service.
Dish now has to wait for the regulatory body to frame new rules allowing spectrum used by satellites to be permanently approved for high traffic ground-based networks.
The decision follows problems faced by another satellite operator, LightSquared, which wanted to use satellite spectrum in terrestrial networks — to face fierce, and apparently successful, opposition from GPS companies.
Dish had requested for waivers so it could offer the service with handsets using only ground-based signals, without direct communication with satellites.
Aaron Johnson, spokesman for Dish, told Bloomberg: “The denial of those waivers will delay the advancement of some of President Obama’s and the FCC’s highest priorities — namely freeing up new spectrum for commercial use and introducing new mobile broadband competition.”
Dish CEO Charlie Ergen recently indicated that he would consider other alternatives if the waivers were denied or delayed. GTB
Further reading from Global Telecoms Business:
Sanjiv Ahuja quits as LightSquared CEO 29 Feb 2012
US to block LightSquared for interference 16 Feb 2012
Sprint puts LightSquared deal 'on hold' 06 Jan 2012
LightSquared's Sanjiv Ahuja navigates course around GPS ... 10 Aug 2011