Making the most of today's spectrum resources


The wireless industry is facing one of its most daunting challenges: How to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband with limited spectrum resources. Nearly every U.S. wireless operator regardless of its size considers the impending spectrum crunch a top concern for the industry.

So what are some of the near-term solutions? Some believe spectrum-sharing is a viable option. Others say that operators can make better use of their existing spectrum resources if they improve the design and efficiency of their networks. Still others believe that the regulators need to step up and find available spectrum for this growing problem.

I'll be exploring all these options at a FierceWireless Executive Breakfast that I'm hosting at the Competitive Carriers' Association Conference in Las Vegas Monday at 7:30 a.m. at the Wynn Las Vegas. My guests will include Tom Sugrue, senior vice president of government affairs at T-Mobile USA, Robert Irving, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Cricket Communications, Doug Smith, Chairman and CEO of LightSquared, and Terry Addington, CEO of SI Wireless.

If you are going to be in Las Vegas next week, please join me for a lively panel discussion on this critical industry topic. Online registration for the event is closed, but you can still register on-site at the Wynn at Registration Desk 2 on Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. and again on Monday starting at 7 a.m. The breakfast event costs $50. I look forward to seeing you there. --Sue