Large wireless companies in the United States have Balkanized the 700 MHz spectrum and made it difficult to invest in next-generation data networks, Rural Cellular Association President and CEO Steven Berry said.
Berry was participating in a briefing on Capitol Hill to discuss the need for competitive carriers to have a pathway to 4G deployment. He said this balkanization, combined with a lack of interoperability and exclusive handset deals, has made it almost impossible for these carriers to move forward.
“Smaller carriers need a clear pathway to bring high-speed mobility to the most costly areas, and it is imperative these carriers have the opportunity to partner with new innovators like LightSquared,” Berry said.
LightSquared has made a significant push in trying to attract rural carriers to its plans for a wholesale LTE network. However, those plans are being held up by concerns over potential interference with GPS systems.
Rural and regional competitive carriers are crucial to bringing next-generation mobile broadband to rural consumers, and Berry emphasized the need for Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to promote competition, investment and innovation in the marketplace to ensure all Americans have access to the most advanced high-speed mobile broadband, no matter where they live, work or travel.
“LightSquared, an RCA member, plans to build its network with private funds, not taxpayer dollars, on a wholesale basis, allowing numerous providers to use it. It is solutions like these that will most benefit consumers, especially in rural and hard to reach areas,” Berry said.
Berry emphasized that consumers across the country deserve a competitive choice and that the Congress and the FCC should promote policies that ensure competition.
Meanwhile, the Personal Communications Industry Association and the DAS Forum, in their comments to the FCC, said that despite the importance of wireless infrastructure, there remain barriers to wireless infrastructure deployment that are frustrating the development of the wireless industry as a whole.
