Kathleen Abernathy, a member of U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said she is "extremely hesitant" to take away spectrum already allocated to fixed-wireless broadband access providers in order to offer licenses for 3G services.

Abernathy outlined her thoughts for the future of the highly sought-after spectrum in the 2.5GHz to 2.7GHz band during a keynote speech at the Wireless Communications Association International (WCAI) annual convention, at Boston's World Trade Center on Monday.

Her pronouncement was viewed as a sign of impending victory for fixed wireless carriers hoping to stave off demands for more spectrum from mobile wireless providers.

"I am extremely encouraged by Commissioner Abernathy's remarks," said J. Curtis Henderson, senior vice president and general counsel for fixed-wireless provider Nucentrix Broadband Networks Inc. The FCC needs to respect property rights and needs to let the market act to solve problems, and Abernathy's remarks reflect it intends to do that, he said.

Mobile wireless providers are seeking 160Mhz of spectrum in the 2.5GHz to 2.7GHz range for 3G services. Fixed wireless providers have licenses for much of that part of the spectrum. If the fixed wireless spectrum comes off the table for 3G services, providers will have to look at bands currently used by the military and by religious and educational television.

While FCC white papers and staffers have opposed handing 3G service providers the spoken-for spectrum, this is the first public comment by a commissioner indicating the view, said Andrew T. Kreig, WCAI president. "It's a strong sign for increasing FCC support," for the wireless broadband industry, he said, expressing surprise at Abernathy's statement.

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