Limits to Sprint's 2.5 GHz MBS (Mid-band Segment) Spectrum Deployments April 19, 2016 08:30

Recently Allnet Insights compiled the video broadcasting status for the mid-band 2.5 GHz spectrum for every US BTA.  The map below indicates whether Sprint will be able to utilize the mid-band channels in particular markets.  In the red Base Trading Area (BTA) markets below, Sprint is restricted from utilizing the channels in the mid-band segment (MBS) because high power video operations remain on channels within this band.  This restricts access to 42 MHz of the 188 MHz of spectrum available in the EBS/BRS (2.5 GHz) spectrum.  In many markets, Sprint owns or leases nearly 160 MHz of this spectrum.  So including these restrictions, effectively reduce Sprint's usable spectrum holdings to 120 MHz in these markets.  Video operations limit Sprint's spectrum in all of the Top 20 markets except Seattle.  The video operators in each of these markets have broadcasting sites and receiving antennas distributed schools and churches through out the broadcasting cities.

Recall that the entire 2.5 GHz spectrum band previous to 2006 was utilized for video broadcasts, either wireless cable or educational video broadcasts.  As Clearwire began to utilize this band, they moved the remaining video broadcasters to the mid-band.  Below you can see how a licensee with the A1, A2, A3, and A4 channels would receive 3 - 5.5MHz channels in the low band segment (LBS) which would be used for LTE while the A4 channel would be shifted to the mid-band segment as a 6 MHz channel.  A licensee with the G1, G2, G3, and G4 channels would receive 3 - 5.5MHz channels in the UBS (upper band segment) and the G4 channel would be shifted to the mid-band segment again as a 6 MHz channel.