FCC Adopts Satellite Spectrum Sharing Plan

The FCC adopted a spectrum sharing plan for low earth orbit satellite systems (Big LEOs) in the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Key points include:

• In the 1.6 GHz or "L-band," mobile-satellite service (MSS) operators with satellite systems that utilize code division multiple access (CDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) technologies will share 3.1 megahertz of spectrum at 1618.25--1621.35 MHz. Previously, only CDMA MSS operators had access to this spectrum. The plan adopted today encourages CDMA and TDMA MSS operators to coordinate spectrum use amongst themselves.



• In the 2.4 GHz or "S-band," the Commission allocated the 2495-2500 MHz band to fixed and mobile except aeronautical mobile services, in order to provide additional spectrum to the 2500-2650 MHz band to accommodate the relocation of MDS channels 1 and 2.

http://www.fcc.gov

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FCC Issues New Rules for Broadband Radio Service

The FCC adopted more flexible rules governing the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) in the 2495-2690 MHz band. The new rules:

• create a new band plan for 2495-2690 MHz, which eliminates the use of interleaved channels by MDS and ITFS licensees and creates distinct band segments for high power operations, such as one-way video transmission, and low power operations, such as two-way fixed and mobile broadband applications. By grouping high and low power users into separate portions of the band, the new band plan reduces the likelihood of interference caused by incompatible uses and creates incentives for the development of low-power, cellularized broadband operations, which were inhibited by the prior band plan.



• rename the MDS service the Broadband Radio Service (BRS), while maintaining the ITFS label for ITFS licenses and operations.



• expand the original MDS-ITFS band by adding to it five megahertz of additional spectrum from below 2500 MHz, which increases the total size of the band to 194 megahertz. This will provide room for the future relocation of MDS Channels 1 and 2, which are presently located in the 2.1 GHz band.



• allow for spectrum leasing under the FCC's secondary market rules, but grandfather all existing leasing arrangements between MDS and ITFS licensees.



• BRS and ITFS providers will have a three-year period during which they may propose transition plans for relocating existing facilities of all other licensees within the same Major Economic Area (MEA) to new spectrum assignments in the revised band plan.

FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell said: "The magnitude of today's ruling is apparent when one considers that this band is double the spectrum that sparked the WiFi explosion at 2.4 GHz and equivalent to the entire spectrum devoted to terrestrial mobile, wireless services. Until now, 2.5 GHz has failed to emulate the successes experienced by these other bands."http://www.fcc.gov

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Aurora Networks Introduces 100GHz DWDM

Aurora Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, introduced a new 100GHz DWDM optical networking platform for cable operators. The Aurora 100GHz DWDM optical networking platform, which supports up to 40 wavelengths, is comprised of several products that mount in the Aurora universal chassis, as well as modules for Aurora's nodes. Aurora's universal chassis reduces optical interconnect cabling through the use of integrated multiplexing capabilities. http://www.aurora.com

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Covaro Networks Introduces Two "Etherjack" Products

Covaro Networks, a start-up based in Richardson, Texas, introduced two products to help carriers deliver Ethernet services over fiber, copper or leased DS1s/DS3s. These services include 10/100/1000BT Ethernet, GbE, 100FX, Ethernet Metallic eXtensions (EMX), DS1, DS3 and OC-3/12 (STM-1/4). Covaro's "Etherjack" technology allows carriers (or enterprises) to transport and manage Ethernet services using traditional management methods for T1/T3 services. The system provides an Ethernet demarcation point, which allows in-service performance monitoring, and out-of service fault isolation and diagnosis for Ethernet services.



Covaro's new products include the CC-16000, which can reach customers from central office locations, co-located equipment spaces, outside cabinets and basement-located equipment in multi-tenant offices. For the customer premise, Covaro's CC-101 uses available copper facilities and bonding technology to deliver intelligent Ethernet services up to 18,000ft. - much farther than the 328ft. capabilities of 10/100BT interfaces. In addition to providing a solution for copper riser and outside plant applications, the CC-101 provides the demarcation point between a carrier and its customer.



Covaro said its products are in trials with 10 customers throughout North America. http://www.covaro.comIn February 2004, Covaro Networks raised $25.3 million in Series B funding for its Ethernet services management system. Covaro develops products that address hybrid networks containing both Ethernet and traditional T1/T3 based services. Covaro's unique Etherjack functionality allows carriers (or enterprises) to transport and manage Ethernet services using traditional management methods to reduce turn-up, test and maintenance costs. The new funding round was lead by Centennial Ventures -- a new Covaro investor with offices in Denver, Colo., and Austin and Houston, Texas. Participation also came from existing investors CenterPoint Ventures, InterWest Partners and Sevin Rosen Funds. This comes in addition to first-round funding that netted the company $16.7 million.

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Siemens Invests in Xingtone for Ringtones

Xingtone, a start-up based in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, announced secured a first round of institutional financing led by Siemens Mobile Acceleration. Xingtone has developed a software application that bridges personal computers and mobile phones, enabling MP3 and CD libraries on a PC to be used to create custom ringtone. Users can also upload content, such as images and games, to their own wireless handsets. Xingtone's software is compatible with all open networks, including Sprint PCS, Cingular, AT&T Wireless, and T-Mobile. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.xingtone.com

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FCC's Martin Drops Support for UNE Decision Appeal

FCC Commissioner Kevin J. Martin issued a statement saying that due to the Solicitor General's recent decision, he no longer supports an appeal to the Supreme Court of the recent court ruling that overturned the FCC's UNE-p policy.



Martin (a Republican) had sided with Commissioners Copps and Adelstein (both Democrats) on the 3-to-2 vote that granted state commissions a role in setting UNE rates. http://www.fcc.gov

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Bell Canada Suffers Fiber Sabotage in Eastern Canada

Two fiber optic cables were deliberately cut in Newfoundland & Labrador, which resulted in loss of service for close to 250,000 customers in the province. Both the main network
fiber cable and the backup cable were intentionally severed. This included underground and aboveground cables, indicating deliberate acts of sabotage by individuals who clearly knew
where these cables were located and their importance to Aliant's network. Investigations are underway. http://www.bell.ca

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net.com and Bridgewater Team on DSL TR-059

Bridgewater Systems and net.com announced a combined solution for the selection, provisioning and management of new services by DSL operators. The joint development is an implementation of the DSL Forum specification TR-059 for delivery of a "triple play" of voice, video and data over an existing DSL network. The solution combines net.com's SCREAM service creation platform and Bridgewater Systems' Dynamic Bandwidth Manager.



Net.com's SCREAM, a next generation broadband remote access server (BRAS) with IP edge routing and ATM switching functionality, provides advanced QoS capabilities for IP traffic on ATM access networks. It uses an Open Programming Interface (OPI) to integrate with Bridgewater Systems' Dynamic Bandwidth Manager, an on-demand policy management solution. http://www.net.comhttp://www.bridgewatersystems.com

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