Wireless broadband pioneer Navini claims to be the first to use the 2.3GHz WCS spectrum in the United States.

Navini's non-line-of-sight technology will be used by MegaNet of Massachusetts, launching their MegaBroadband service. It's partnering with BalRivgam, a WCS developer providing the spectrum. The service will offer broadband wireless access to parts of Massachusetts' Bristol County, which includes Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton.

For $20 - $40 per month (depending on speed), customers get cable-speed, wirelessly. They can take it almost anywhere within a five-mile range of what will be four or more transmission towers in the area. The initial network will support up to 3,000 users with expansion plans to serve over 10,000.

The FCC says carriers owning 2.3GHz WCS spectrum must commercially deploy by mid-2007 or risk losing rights to the spectrum. The 2.3 GHz band is popular in Asia. SK Telecom, KT, and ISP Hanaro Telecom all have 2.3 GHz licenses thoughout Korea and plan to introduce WiBro broadband wireless in 2006.

The band is less successful here in the United States. That's because there's less space available and what's there - the two (15Mhz) bands - may be made less effective due to high power satellite radio terrestrial repeaters blasting out 2,000 watts EIRP right next door.

Read the entire article on Daily Wireless.