Cyren Call Asks Rural Providers to Bid on D-BlockA mixture of incentives and threats has rural wireless companies wondering
02:59PM Saturday May 03 2008 by KathrynVtags: competition · fcc · business · wirelessSpeaking at a convention last week, Cyren Call Communications
encouraged rural wireless providers to strongly consider bidding on the D-block (public safety spectrum) if it is
re-auctioned later this year.
"Chairman Morgan OBrien highlighted the potential gains for rural carriers, including the resources necessary to offer advanced wireless services to their customers, a way to bypass ongoing roaming data issues as well as a stronger position in which to compete against the nationwide operators."
Not content to assume that the positive benefits of the auction would be enough to encourage bidding, OBrien also pointed out the negatives of not acquiring this spectrum. He asserted that this could be the last chance for rural wireless providers to make any headway in the competitive wireless market. This blend of positive and negative information has given the carriers pause for thought; many report that they are contemplating taking action if the D-block goes up for auction again.