Carriers have been slow to publicly react to the FCC's postponement of spectrum allocation for third-generation wireless services. News of the delay followed last week's appeals court decision that found the FCC wrongly repossessed separate wireless licenses purchased by NextWave Telecom in 1996. Together, the two items have thrown already-confusing U.S. spectrum issues into more turmoil.

At press time, neither Verizon Wireless nor Cingular Wireless had remarks addressing the 3G delay. AT&T Wireless, in its quiet period before spinning off from Ma Bell, would not comment. VoiceStream Wireless officials did not respond to calls for comment by deadline.

Sprint PCS officials say the delay won't hinder its 3G rollout plans. The company took the opportunity to play up its network-buildout deals with Lucent and Nortel, announced today. '[Sprint PCS doesn't] see this announcement or the NextWave ruling [slowing] our aggressive schedule,' says spokesman Dan Wilinsky. 'We have adequate spectrum for the next 10 years.'

CTIA, the mobile industry's largest trade group, had been pushing for a delay. In a statement, CTIA praised Powell's decision, saying it was a 'bold act of leadership' enabling spectrum in the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2150 MHz bands to be incorporate into a larger, long-term spectrum-management policy. 

In a letter Tuesday to Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans, FCC Chairman Michael Powell said the commission needed more time to evaluate the nation's 3G spectrum options. Powell requested legislation to push back the 3G auction deadline, scheduled for September 2002 in an executive order by former President Bill Clinton.

Bands tentatively identified for 3G use have been disputed, namely by the U.S. Department of Defense as well as educational and religious broadcasters who do not want to give up their holdings for wireless use.

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Spectrum Debate Intensifies 6/18/01