Any mission critical or business application requiring interference free communications can benefit from using licensed spectrum. Networks employing licensed spectrum have reliable communications throughout their coverage area. Critical applications such as video surveillance, equipment monitoring, voice, real-time telemetry, network dispatch and more can recognize improved efficiencies from licensed spectrum. Equipment operating on licensed spectrum is typically allowed to transmit at much higher power than unlicensed equipment and WiFi gear, resulting in more reliable communication and in many cases, significantly reduce the amount of network equipment needed. Networks operating in licensed spectrum can be far more cost-effective to deploy and operate than unlicensed equipment needed to provide the same coverage and capacity.

The technologies being developed and deployed for commercial applications can also be used to improve the spectral management and frequency assignment for all types of government services, all the way from daily government communications to mission critical battlefield wireless systems.

Many countries have adopted secondary market rules similar to those enacted by the FCC. Available spectrum is just as scarce, yet underutilized worldwide as it is in America. Spectrum Bridge technology and solutions has strong worldwide appeal and market potential.

The FCC and other similar regulatory agencies around the world allow primary spectrum holders to break up spectrum licenses in to smaller parts that can be transferred, traded and leased without having to treat the total license as a single entity. This is useful in secondary market transactions (i.e. selling or leasing of spectrum access) to a third party. Since unused or under used spectrum can be separated from spectrum in use or otherwise unavailable to another user, more spectrum can be put into use. Typically spectrum can be broken up along several dimensions including:

Disaggregation: Disaggregation is when a spectrum holder divides up a spectrum license by frequency or channels. For example, a 10 MHz license could be disaggregated into two 5 MHz parts, or ten 1 MHz parts or any other combination totaling up to, but not exceeding the entire licensed amount. Any part can also be offered on a shared basis to multiple end users.

Partitioning: A license can be partitioned into one or more parts along any geographic boundary covered inside the original license area. Areas could be defined as small as a single city block or as large as a state or entire national region, as long as all the pieces fit inside the original license boundary

Time slicing: The license can be offered on a time of day basis. This allows several options including the ability to offer access based on time-of-day, and/or for a specific period of time (lease term). For example a single license could be leased to one user from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, another from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am and to a third from 3:00 am to 8:00 am.

Note that in some cases spectrum licenses may also be aggregated or combined with other spectrum licenses from the same or other license holders to create new spectrum offerings with higher value to potential spectrum buyers.

No, only the FCC can grant a license for spectrum. SpecEx enables current license holders to sell or lease their excess spectrum assets to interested buyers. Once the transaction takes place on SpecEx, a filing must be submitted to the FCC to make the transfer of spectrum rights legal. SpecEx provides automated and manual support for these filings.

Yes. The FCC has issued numerous policy papers and rule making in support of secondary markets for spectrum. By enabling secondary markets for spectrum, the FCC policy goal is to increase the overall utilization of allocated spectrum. It also promotes the FCC goals of creating new innovative wireless services without having to auction or allocate new spectrum.

For a summary of the FCC writings see our FCC Page.

A secondary market for spectrum refers to a market where an entity may acquire partial or entire licenses or rights to use spectrum from a FCC licensee (ie the primary licensee). In more direct terms, secondary markets enable spectrum holders to lease or sell, all or part of their spectrum.

Members have access to easy to use tools built into SpecEx. These tools are designed to help sellers create attractive spectrum listings for enterprises, government agencies, communications providers and other potential buyers. SpecEx will help model different pricing and listing parameters based on spectrum type, location, channel and frequency amount as well as primary and secondary users allowed for that spectrum. Based on the model results, Spectrum holders can use the modeling results to make informed decisions that help optimize the revenue generation and the chances of a successful transaction for that spectrum.

SpecEx provides spectrum holders with sophisticated selling tools making marketing, listing, and selling spectrum easier and faster. Transactions are completed reliably, securely, and transparently so buyers and sellers can close deals with confidence.

The SpecEx system delivers a complete selling environment that includes:

• A simple, intuitive, real time online marketplace that makes it easy for buyers to find and acquire your spectrum
• Targeted promotion of your SpecEx listings to get your spectrum noticed by the greatest number of qualified buyers
• Tools to enable you to create unique and attention getting listings, allowing your spectrum to fit a wider variety of applications and attract more buyers

• Any currently unused or under-used spectrum
• Spectrum not in use now, but that will eventually be used in a future network build out
• Spectrum available in areas where you would like to test market demand prior to committing to a network build out

SpecEx makes it easy for buyers to find, buy and use your spectrum. For most spectrum holders, you already sell, lease, and sometimes acquire additional spectrum. SpecEx is the ideal marketplace for you to expand your reach, increase your revenue and simplify your sales efforts. We bring together the essential pieces to increase the ease and speed of successful spectrum transactions. Our extensive marketing and promotional activities will get your spectrum noticed by more buyers than ever before

Spectrum Bridge offers extensive online and offline (i.e. real people to talk to) help to guide you through the spectrum selection, purchasing and regulatory filing process to ensure you have a positive experience and get the spectrum that’s right for you. If you have questions or need help getting started, please Contact Us and one of our spectrum experts will be happy to help you.

Yes. SpecEx has a simple search interface that allows you to describe your applications, number of users, coverage area and other important variables. SpecEx will then identify available spectrum that is appropriate for your use. If the right spectrum is not currently available on SpecEx you can submit a request for that spectrum and Spectrum Bridge will actively seek out spectrum holders who can list that spectrum for you to buy.

SpecEx provides spectrum holders with sophisticated selling tools making marketing, listing, and selling spectrum easier and faster. Transactions are completed reliably, securely, and transparently so buyers and sellers can close deals with confidence.

Many users are finding that unlicensed spectrum does not provide the coverage, reliability, or connectivity they require, particularly for business and mission critical applications. Licensed spectrum offers a reliable, secure, and interference free environment for wireless applications. Licensed spectrum users are generally protected from interference by FCC regulations. Also, licensed wireless equipment can typically be operated at much higher power than that allowed for unlicensed equipment. Higher power reduces the number of transmitters and repeaters needed to cover an area, as well providing improved building penetration and link reliability. This can considerably reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for medium and large wireless networks.

Any business or agency that needs interference-free spectrum in order to offer a wireless service can benefit from from buying or leasing spectrum. These include but are not limited to:

• Cellular Carriers
• Communication Service Providers
• Wireless broadband and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• Enterprises
• Public safety organizations
• Utilities
• Government and Military Agencies
• Port and Airport Authorities

The real answer is you need licensed spectrum to satisfy your customers and differentiate yourself from the pack. Using licensed spectrum will allow you greater flexibility in how and what you provide and has some significant benefits when it comes to satisfying your customers. First, licensed spectrum is predictable, so you can be sure that your solution works predictably and as advertised. Second, licensed spectrum often requires much less radio infrastructure to be deployed so the total solution is less expensive and more of the value is wrapped around your value added services.

SpecEx can do several things for the VARs and SIs. First, it allows you to make your services available to potential users via our advertising program. Second, it allows you to find available spectrum which can support applications and services needed to deploy solutions for customers. Finally, the site contains tools such as our Network Builder and SpecEx partner search that lets spectrum buyers find equipment and solutions providers that can help them select, deploy, and manage their new networks. If you are interested in becoming a SpecEx partner and taking advantage of the increased visibility SpecEx can give you to motivated buyers, please Contact Us.

Spectrum can be used as an additional product to offer differentiated solutions to your customers. Securing spectrum rights can give you a competitive advantage in your market area, or allow you to expand into a new market area with a powerful differentiated advantage. Video surveillance, telemetry, and enterprise voice applications are just a few of the applications SIs and VARs can tailor licensed solutions for. In the end, you can increase your revenues and profitability by offering licensed spectrum solutions that are more robust, predictable and tailored than your competition can with unlicensed only solutions.

Yes. SpecEx is the online marketplace for spectrum. Wireless technologies and services that apply to any aspect of finding, buying, engineering, deploying and maintaining licensed wireless solutions are integral to that marketplace. We will be happy to help you effectively advertise to potential buyers and others who visit the site. Please contact us for more information.