FCC: MediaFLO approved for first deployments

The FCC approved Qualcomm's use of MediaFLO for its first deployment of the technology, a big win for Qualcomm since the company had a bitter fight with the FCC over the spectrum it needed to develop the technology in the early 1990's. The FCC's approval follows agreements between Qualcomm and local television stations in Chicago, Milwaukee and Gary, IN. The company has a nationwide license for TV channel 55, which is part of the 700 MHz band currently waiting out the transition period Congress set to end in February 2009. Because of the waiting period, Qualcomm had to negotiate with the local stations for use of the spectrum before the deadline. Qualcomm is currently racing to deploy its nationwide mobile TV network while rival Crown Castle and its partner are building their own using DVB-H technology. Both technologies are broadcast technologies that don't run directly over 3G networks.

For more on Qualcomm's MediaFLO plans:
- see this article from RCRNews