Wireless operators await spectrum auctions

IDG News Service’s Stephen Lawson reports that U.S. mobile operators are anticipating a pair of upcoming radio spectrum auctions that will open up large swaths of frequencies to mobile data services. The auctions are the biggest developments in mobile communications coming over the next year or so, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said during a keynote appearance at the CTIA Wireless trade show. The FCC plans to auction Advanced Wireless Services spectrum during summer in the U.S., and it also hopes to put rules in place within the next year or so to auction former TV frequencies around 700 MHz for mobile data.

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IDG News Service also reports that Google has come another step closer in its quest to become a Wi-Fi wireless LAN service provider in San Francisco. The Department of Telecommunications and Information Services (DTIS) chose a plan by Google and ISP Earthlink to provide a free citywide Wi-Fi network. DTIS will now begin contract negotiations with the two companies.

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Carrier Ethernet equipment vendor Atrica unveiled a switch designed for outdoor, uncontrolled environments. The A-2160 allows network operators to extend their Ethernet service points of presence, Atrica says. It’s designed to be stand-mounted or pole-mounted, and reduces time-to-market for wireless backhaul and Fiber-to-the-X applications. Atrica also landed a $28.2 million round of new financing, including a contribution from AT&T.