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3G Spectrum - Off Limits After Attacks
Casey writes: "MSNBC is reporting that due to the recent attacks, potential 3G spectrum currently held by the military has been placed off-limits for the foreseeable future -- with no replacement on the table. The FCC says that it might remove the current "spectrum cap" restrictions, allowing bigger cellular companies to gobble up smaller ones just for their spectrum. Expect to see a lot of consolidation if this goes through."
There is an interesting article in the October issue of Red Herring about the bureaucratic nightmare that wireless companies face in trying to develop "next-generation wireless networks." I just thought you all would like to know.
Most industrialized nations with our type of technological infrastructures are years ahead of us in wireless technology. My opinion is that the stranglehold on potential 3g spectrums is part of the reason why the technological bust happened. Back in the late 90's (seems like a million years ago) when everyone was happy and rich (except me), wireless devices were supposed to be the next "big thing." Now they're all but a curiousity for most Americans where in Japan and Sweden they're a necessity. I think the tech sector would come around if the current administration opened more of these specrums up (but they'd have to get through the DOD first) for development. Something tells me, however, after September 11th, they'll be hell bent on preventing these technologies from spreading too quickly lest they be employed by terrorism.com.