Nextlink kicks off spectrum clearinghouse

Looking to lease some high-frequency spectrum but don't want to pick up the phone? Nextlink, XO Communications' wireless subsidiary, may have just what you're looking for. Last week it launched LMDSXchange, an online clearinghouse of sorts for its own and other operators' local multipoint distribution service licenses.

Located at www.lmdsxchange.com, the site is intended to be a one-stop shop for prospective lessees looking for LMDS spectrum for rent in particular markets and as a place to electronically handle any lease transactions, said Scott Good, director of product management for Nextlink.

“The band in aggregate has a lot of upside,” Good said. “We're trying to coalesce spectrum-holders with prospective lessees in order to grow the band.”

So far the inventory is fed mainly by Nextlink's licenses covering 81 metro areas in the U.S. and 75% of the population. But Nextlink has coaxed fellow LMDS license-owners Prime Companies and private owner Ruvin Lerman to join, adding another dozen or so licenses to its database. Good said Nextlink also is reaching out to the other two major license-holders, IDT and Level 3 Communications.

Unlike other licenses, LMDS was awarded by the FCC on a single license/single market basis, meaning Nextlink won't have to worry about its own spectrum going head-to-head with a competitor's in any given market. That allows license-holders to work collectively to lease their spectrum on a national scale without any conflicting interests, Good said.