Hedge fund plans US-wide 4G data network
updated 06:00 pm EDT, Mon March 29, 2010
Harbinger Capital Partners to launch 4G network
Harbinger Capital Partners, a New York-based hedge fund, has last week revealed it plans to build a nationwide LTE network using terrestrial spectrum that is owned by satellite networks. The firm filed its plans with the FCC on Friday, after getting approval to purchase North American satellite network operator SkyTerra. The company plans on being wholesale only and offer data services exclusively, and use an open access platform. It could become a competitor to LTE networks from established wireless providers that include AT&T and Verizon Wireless.
At the beginning, the network will use 23MHz of spectrum that is made up of 8MHz of the 1.4GHz terrestrial spectrum, access to 5MHz of 1.6GHz terrestrial spectrum and 10 MHz of L-band spectrum.
By 2015, Harbinger expects it will cover at least 260 million people without satellite coverage, or comparable to that offered by competitors. Initially, the service will be offered to some 9 million commercial clients in Denver and Phoenix sometime in the fall of 2011. The spring of 2014 should see availability in all other major markets.
Harbinger said it may consolidate its spectrum with other licensees, including that of Terrestar Networks, of which Harbinger also holds a stake. The hedge fund may also partner with an existing operator such as T-Mobile USA. [via MobileBusinessBriefing]
