Regulators will allow Greenwood Village-based Open Range Communications to use existing wireless spectrum until Jan. 31about two months longer than a previous decision — while it searches for alternate frequency, officials said Thursday.
The Federal Communications Commission last week gave Open Range, which leases airwaves from Globalstar, 60 days to find new spectrum. As part of that ruling, the FCC suspended Globalstar’s license because of Globalstar’s failure to meet certain requirements.
“It gives us the ability to negotiate a fair deal for Open Range for alternate frequency,” said Bill Beans, Open Range’s chief executive.
Beans said Open Range, which serves about 10,000 customers with its wireless Internet service, is in negotiations for alternate spectrum.
The FCC’s ruling last week jeopardized a $267 million loan that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service awarded to Open Range in 2008 for the expansion of broadband services in rural communities.
The RUS said Thursday it was pleased with the FCC’s decision.
“We are encouraged by this move and will continue to support our borrower while they seek a resolution to spectrum use requirements,” RUS official Bartel Kendrick said in a statement. “RUS believes there is a long-term solution for Open Range with the cooperation of the FCC.” Andy Vuong, The Denver Post
