As expected, spectrum and the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming 600 MHz incentive auction were hot topics at this year’s Competitive Carriers Association Annual Convention, with both a significant portion if not the leading topic of conversation for most keynote addresses and panel events.
The CCA event hosted several education panels targeting the 600 MHz incentive auction, which following Sprint’s recent decision to sit out the proceedings are looking to be an even more compelling event for rural carriers. Across many of the discussions, a pair of the underlying topics focused on the potential length of the auction proceedings and the amount of money those proceedings could raise.
The FCC currently has the auction set to begin on March 29, though CCA members heard that the actual bidding on spectrum freed up by television broadcasters might not begin for at least another month after that official opening. The extreme complexity of the proceedings could also see the auction continue through the end of 2016.
In terms of overall auction bidding, numbers thrown around at the CCA event ranged from $20 billion up to $80 billion, with estimates of at least $40 billion in total auction proceeds needed in order for the FCC to cover overhead and expenses related to reimbursing broadcasters, covering relocation costs and general expenses connected with putting on the auction.
On the topic of Sprint’s decision, many in attendance at the CCA event said it would have little impact on their own auction plans. However, Sprint’s decision to forgo the proceedings removes at least one deep-pocketed bidder from making offers on the up to 30 megahertz of spectrum set aside for carriers with smaller holdings in the sub-1 GHz band.
However, broader topics like small cells, unlicensed technology and “5G” also permeated much of the event’s discussions.
CCA hosted a technology focused panel discussion that looked at some of the top technology challenges facing its members. Those panelists cited growing interest in LTE-Unlicensed, voice-over-LTE services and the continued business model challenges of small cells. Not surprisingly, the carriers and vendors on the panel were in favor of tapping unlicensed spectrum in order to improve services; VoLTE remains the goal for many, though the technology remains challenging; and small cells remain a dim focal point of many carriers outside the industry’s largest players.
As for 5G, most of the rural carriers in attendance are still working through their “4G” LTE plans with little thought being given to the next technology iteration. Vendors on site acknowledged that 5G is probably at least five to 10 years out for most rural carriers, but noted they needed to at least be aware of how the standard is progressing as they move forward with their own technology decisions.
Another technology evolution discussed at the CCA event was network virtualization using software-defined networking and network functions virtualization. While SDN and NFV are now just becoming commercial products for larger mobile operators, vendors during a keynote panel said rural carriers need to begin investigating their virtualization needs in order to remain on technical parity of their larger rivals as well as to take advantage of the potential cost savings associated with virtualization.
CCA President and CEO Steve Berry provided RCR Wireless News with insight into the trade group’s view of the upcoming auction proceedings, which have been a top regulatory target. Berry also touched on other regulatory challenges facing CCA and its members, including universal service fund reform, continued data roaming challenges and how CCA and its members are tackling the issue of device exclusivity.
Berry also touted CCA’s next get together, which is scheduled for mid-April in Nashville, Tenn., under the Mobile Carriers Show heading. Berry said the move should provide greater clarity for both regular show attendees as well as new technology innovators looking to get in front of mobile carriers that serve more than 100 million domestic wireless customers.
Make sure to check out livestreamed keynote and panel discussions from the event as well as interviews from the show floor.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter
