Hey IT Nerd! What’s The Big Deal About The 700 MHz Spectrum?

I got this question in my inbox today:

Hi IT Nerd. I’ve been reading about the spectrum auction that the Canadian government is having and I am wondering what the big deal is with the 700 MHz spectrum? 

That’s a very good question. The 700 MHz spectrum has a two advantages. The first advantage is that the 700 MHz spectrum goes through buildings better. So you will get better reception in buildings, elevators, basements, etc. So if you live in an urban area, you can be reachable in more places that may not be reachable now. The second advantage is that in rural areas, it will be able to allow a wireless company to get service up and running quickly over a large area at a much lower cost. So in theory, you would be able get LTE service in your cottage or farm if you do not have it now. That makes this to be prime real estate which is why Canadian wireless companies are fighting so hard to get a piece of this spectrum. If they miss out, they will not have the ability to get to some customers. Those who get this spectrum will have a competitive advantage.

As I type this, there’s about 6 weeks to go for interested parties to register for the auction which takes place in January 2014. Watch the sparks fly.

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