The spectrum in the 700 MHz band that was auctioned last year is well-suited for rural areas because of its excellent propagation characteristics. Network operators should be able to cover large areas with relatively few towers, offering an economical alternative for delivering broadband to remote areas — once the equipment is available. Some smaller 700 MHz spectrum winners hope to minimize costs by making the same technology choice as dominant carriers AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless, even though equipment to support that technology, based on the long-term evolution standard, is not expected to be available until 2010 at the earliest.
