4G Mobile VenturesNetwork Investments
Jim Baker, Managing PartnerXenventure
Key U.S. 4G Network Investments
Largest holder of 2.5GHz spectrum in the United States
Raised over $3 billion in equity from major strategic investors
CLEAR™ 4G service currently live in 74 metropolitan markets
Launches in Q4 2010 include Los Angeles, NYC, San Francisco
Targeting coverage of >120 million people by end of 2010
Wholesale strategy with investors, and possibly T-Mobile
Currently testing 40MHz FDD LTE in Phoenix AZ yielding >20Mbps
Overview
Focus on building out network – must be top priority
Clear turns on a new base station in New York every 90 mins
Clear users consume 7GB/month; backhaul capacity is key
Monetize spectrum to raise capital to continue network build
Relationships with other carriers like T-Mobile is critical
Medium term move to LTE essential for network sharing
Challenges
Acquired ‘C Block’ spectrum in the 700MHz band for $4.74 billion
National spectrum footprint covering 298m people
Regional spectrum covering 171m, acquired for $4.89 billion
Launching LTE in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 3G area by 2013
Average user speeds of 5-12Mbps down, 2-5Mbps up (like WiMAX)
Created $1.3 billion 4G Venture Forum to fund innovation in LTE
Alcatel-Lucent Ventures, Charles River Partners, New Venture Partners, North
Bridge Venture Partners, Norwest Venture Partners and Redpoint Ventures
Overview
10 + 10MHz implementation is better than 3G but…
Will be much slower than possible Clearwire 40MHz FDD LTE
European LTE offers >30Mbps down and >15Mbps up
Must replace legacy EV-DO Rev A swiftly to improve data offering
VoLTE versus dual-mode CDMA
Initial deployment will use CDMA for voice
Challenges
Created by Harbinger Capital Partners in mid 2010
Launching hybrid LTE/satellite wholesale network
59MHz of spectrum in various bands
40,000 terrestrial base stations, two satellites
Announced initial partnership for SmartGrid applications
Aims to cover 92% of U.S. population by 2015
Initial roll-out starting Q3 2011 in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Baltimore
Awarded $7 billion, 8 year contract to Nokia Siemens Networks for build
Secured $1.75 billion in initial funding, committed $3 billion in total
Overview
Transport Vertical
Funding
Analysts think network build could cost >$5 billion
40% of the Harbinger fund’s portfolio is tied up in LightSquared
UBS provided $850m debt funding in September 2010
Harbinger sold off 14% of Inmarsat to raise $650m
Create wholesale and vertical partnerships early on
Airspan for SmartGrid
Indian Health Service to provide communications to remote areas of
Native American reservations
Challenges