If you don't understand the FCC wireless spectrum auction, you're not alone. One of the best explanations for the who, what, why of the auction that begins in late January was published in P.C. World yesterday. To begin with, the 700MHz up for grabs is now used to carry television signals but it can also be used to carry long-range wireless broadband traffic. This can create a nationwide broadband network that will compete with the providers of cable modem, DSL and fiber-based services. In short, you'll be able to have more leverage in choosing your cable operator. The bidding deadline for the available spectrum was last night. Here's what we know so far: Google, AT&T and Startup Frontline Wireless are all in. It's unknown if Verizon is a player but Sprint Nextel has announced it's out. They feel they have everything they need...
The FCC will announce the names of the bidders publicly by December 28. The auctions begin on January 24, 2008. They could last several weeks. While the spectrum is optimal for wireless broadband, some carriers can use it for traditional wireless voice traffic. Some will merge wireless voice with high-speed data services. Hello Google! Some of the spectrum will be used for public safety for police and fire departments, something sorely missing during 911...
All of this coincides with the requirement that U.S. TV stations move to digital broadcasting by order of Congress. That deadline is February, 2009. That's when the analog spectrum between channels 52 and 69 will be abandoned by TV. We're talking big bucks at this auction with Congress expecting the kitty to be upped by at least $10 billion...
If you still don't get it maybe this video will help you understand it all: http://youtube.com/watch?v=G3vn_YQ1vTE ...
10 Timeline Memories:
- 1783] Say goodnight Gracie: General George Washington bids farewell to his officers by raising a tankard or two at Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan (it's still open)...
- 1978] Her Mayoress: Diane Feinstein becomes San Francisco's first woman mayor when she's named to replace George Moscone who was murdered...
- 1980] Guardsmen from hell: The bodies of four American nuns slain in El Salvador just days before, are found. Five national guardsmen are later convicted of murder...
- 1987] D-I-V-O-R-C-E eventually: Madonna files for divorce from Sean Penn but changes her mind. She files for good in January, 1988, ending their love-hate marriage. These two sat in front of me at a movie. They were ushered in when the theater went dark. Sean was pawing Madonna all night. I was tempted to whisper "get a room". Here they are in a scene from "Shanghai Surprise": http://youtube.com/watch?v=S4c22qjtnOc&feature=related ...
- 1990] We are here to pump...you up: Due to the Persian Gulf crisis gas prices sky-rocket to: $1.60 a gallon in New York City. Outrageous!!!
- 1991] Please release me: AP correspondent Terry Anderson is released as a hostage in Lebanon after nearly 7 years in captivity...
- 1993] "Happy Trails": Frank Zappa dies at 52 from prostate cancer. Frank was a nice guy who would often ask for imports from my office at CBS International. He was very knowledgeable and loved all kinds of music...
- 1995] Dumb and dumber: Michael Jackson appears with legendary mime Marcel Marceau at a NYC press conference promoting Jackson's special on HBO...
- 1997] I started to choke: The NBA suspends Latrell Sprewell of the Golden State Warriors for one year for choking and threatening to kill his coach, P.J. Carlesimo. The Seattle media sorts it out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=430A5DT2q3Y ...
- 2001] FREEZE: The U.S. freezes the financial assets of organizations allegedly linked to the terrorist group Hamas...
Music Memories:
- 1956] Recording on this date: Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash a.k.a. the "Million Dollar Quartet" record together at Sun Records in Memphis. The session is not released for 25 years. Roy Orbison joins Carl, Jerry Lee and Johnny in this 1985 tribute to Elvis: http://youtube.com/watch?v=lgPsUfGTf6s ...
- 1961] Released on this date: "The Duke of Earl" - Gene Chandler...
- 1988] Curtains: Roy Orbison plays his last live concert at the Front Row Theater in Highland Heights (OH). This is his last known interview, taped after that show: http://youtube.com/watch?v=asHpRh-XnVE ...
Commentary:
The Patriots are killing me with these late night thrillers but they're 12-0 despite Don Shula lighting candles and practicing voodoo in the booth during that close call win over Baltimore last night. 12 down, 4 to go in the regular season and the only scheduled night game left, against the Giants on December 29 is on the NFL Network. Help!!! Congratulations to Dick Williams, Red Sox skipper of the
"Impossible Dream" team in 1967. Dick, along with 3 others (Walter O'Malley, Billy Southworth and ex-Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss) was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. Williams is the only living inductee...Last week I failed to mention the year Bobby Darin & Sandra Dee married. The year was 1960...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":
Tyra Banks (34), Nikki Tyler (35), Marisa Tomei (43), Jeff Bridges (58), Southside Johnny (Lyon) (59), Freddy Cannon (67) Happy Birthday Freddy: http://youtube.com/watch?v=BHCVaF9J4J0 , Max Baer Jr. (70), Wink Martindale (73) and Deanna Durbin (86)...
Timeline Countdown: Happy Hanukah - starting today at sundown. Adam Sandler gets us into the holiday spirit: http://youtube.com/watch?v=lwYQBV66rbM&feature=related , 18 days until winter, 21 shopping days until Christmas, 27 nights until New Year's Eve and 32 days until the NFL Wild Card playoffs...
