OK...I think I have come up with the LightSquared solution
I don't know why I have never thought of it before today. but why not TD-LTE in just the uplink portion of the L-Band? It doesn't interfere with GPS, just the downlink portion does.
A) No FDD-LTE, no desire for carriers like leap to use it (they want VoLTE capability).
B) You just cut the value of light squared spectrum in half (potentially costing them millions).
C) Does it make sense for them to build the network out with such a small chunk of spectrum.
Get around those three things, and it could make sense. If they just wanted to be a dumb data provider, TD-LTE would be fine.
They do just want to be a dumb data provider, that's LightSquared's business model. Wholesale LTE data only.
I agree that changing to TD-LTE on the upper L band would limit them to only half of their spectrum. However, that would just be a short term solution. LightSquared would still need to work with the FCC and the GPS community for a long term solution for the lower bands.
The big issue with the lower bands is going back and retrofitting millions of devices with filters. The FCC may be willing to mandate a sunset period. Like maybe 2016 or 2017. All devices manufactured starting January 1, 2013 must comply with proper shielding and no longer operate out of their proper frequencies. The next step is all out of compliance units already in existence have the 3 to 4 year period after 2013 to either get the proper filtering or be replaced with new non-interfering models.
This is similar to the way HD television was integrated. Having another use for that spectrum is in the public good. It's being wasted by devices bleeding over interferingly and reduces the options of how that spectrum can be used. A long term solution is definitely needed.
This way LightSquared will also be able to get started with a robust LTE network now, and have a place for more spectrum growth in 2016/2017 time frame. This is what I would do.
They do just want to be a dumb data provider, that's LightSquared's business model. Wholesale LTE data only.
I agree that changing to TD-LTE on the upper L band would limit them to only half of their spectrum. However, that would just be a short term solution. LightSquared would still need to work with the FCC and the GPS community for a long term solution for the lower bands.
The big issue with the lower bands is going back and retrofitting millions of devices with filters. The FCC may be willing to mandate a sunset period. Like maybe 2016 or 2017. All devices manufactured starting January 1, 2013 must comply with proper shielding and no longer operate out of their proper frequencies. The next step is all out of compliance units already in existence have the 3 to 4 year period after 2013 to either get the proper filtering or be replaced with new non-interfering models.
This is similar to the way HD television was integrated. Having another use for that spectrum is in the public good. It's being wasted by devices bleeding over interferingly and reduces the options of how that spectrum can be used. A long term solution is definitely needed.
This way LightSquared will also be able to get started with a robust LTE network now, and have a place for more spectrum growth in 2016/2017 time frame. This is what I would do.
- Robert, Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
Roll out a TDD-LTE network now, when you promised many of your partners that you could offer VoLTE capability?
Then prep your network to convert to FDD-LTE and make sure all of your partners are on board with that.
Then have the FCC OK the additional spectrum?
It doesn't sound like a very good business plan.
I think that you are undervaluing FDD-LTE. For clearwire, it's fine - they are just acting as a data overflow dumping ground.
OK...I think I have come up with the LightSquared solution
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Originally Posted by nmherron
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