Small-sized U.S. wireless service provider United States Cellular Corp. USM recently submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a six-month special temporary authority (STA) to conduct trial runs in the 3.5 GHz band in some areas of Maine and North Carolina.
As per a FierceWireless report, base station equipment will be mounted on existing tower facilities of the company to transmit at a maximum EIRP of 47 dBm/10 MHz. The user equipment will transmit at a maximum EIRP of 23 dBm. LTE modulation will be used with up to two 20-MHz carriers within the 3550-3600 MHz spectrum.
Major U.S. telecom operators are currently exploring ways to commercialize usage of 3.5 GHz unlicensed wireless spectrum. Notably, the 3.5 GHz radio frequency is being considered in many parts of the world for the upcoming 5G wireless standard, thus increasing its chances of providing spectrum globally.
Verizon Communications Inc. VZ is planning to deploy small cells – both low power and high power – using the 3.5 GHz band. T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS applied to the FCC for an experimental radio license to test 3.5GHz equipment in Washington State. Meanwhile, in Mar 2017, the FCC awarded AT&T Inc. T a license to test a 3.5GHz network. Sprint Corp. S is also likely to join the bandwagon.
In Aug 2016, several leading tech giants formed an alliance — Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS) — to explore low-cost ways to provide wireless service using unlicensed 3.5GHz band. Notable among them are Google of Alphabet Inc., Qualcomm, Intel, Ericsson and Nokia. In practice, CBRS alliance works toward defining standards that would allow wireless carriers, enterprises, venue owners and others to deploy 4G LTE networks in the 3.5 GHz band.
The increase in adoption of small cells is because of the inconvenience of installing large towers in inaccessible areas. Verizon stated that it will use the small cells to augment its existing 4G LTE and upcoming 5G network and will primarily concentrate on high traffic locations like a business district or shopping mall.
Small cells will increase voice capacity and data speeds as well as complement wireless service provider’s LTE infrastructure. Using small cells in unlicensed 3.5 GHz band will thus significantly reduce cost of operations for the wireless operators.
Price Performance of Unites States Cellular
.jpg)
Year to date, share price of United States Cellular lost 9.93% wider than the Zacks categorized Wireless National industry’s decline of 9.43%. Notably, the company spent nearly $328.7 million to acquire licenses in the 600 MHz low-band frequencies that were recently conducted by the FCC. United States Cellular currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
More Stock News: 8 Companies Verge on Apple-Like Run
Did you miss Apple's 9X stock explosion after they launched their iPhone in 2007? Now 2017 looks to be a pivotal year to get in on another emerging technology expected to rock the market. Demand could soar from almost nothing to $42 billion by 2025. Reports suggest it could save 10 million lives per decade which could in turn save $200 billion in U.S. healthcare costs.
A bonus Zacks Special Report names this breakthrough and the 8 best stocks to exploit it. Like Apple in 2007, these companies are already strong and coiling for potential mega-gains. Click to see them right now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Be the first to comment