Sides debating how to allocate broadcast capacity

By GINA SMITH
The State

A panel of lawmakers says it needs more time to study a proposal to bring WiMax, the latest in wireless broadband, to the Palmetto State.

Wednesday, the Joint Bond Review Committee sent to subcommittee a plan to lease ETV’s excess broadcast capacity to private companies, Clearwire and Digital Bridge Communications.

A contentious part of the proposal lets the state recapture 20 percent of the excess capacity if it’s needed in the future for yet-to-be-determined law enforcement, school or governmental needs.

Some lawmakers and residents say the state should hang on to more of the capacity. Others think the capacity could be worth more money.

“It sounds to me like we may be selling ourselves a bit cheap,” said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg.

The S.C. Progressive Network said lawmakers should designate some of the capacity for free Internet for K-12 students and reduced-rate Internet for residents.

Members of a legislatively appointed study committee say they’ve negotiated the best possible deal for the state.

The companies will pay nearly $143 million to the state over 30 years. The companies would build WiMax networks, offering S.C. residents, businesses and others wireless Internet and, eventually, other uses, like interactive tools.

It would take 18 months to build a network, according to Clearwire.

The debate comes at a time when Clearwire is facing legal troubles.

Customers in four states, including North Carolina, are suing Clearwire, alleging the company is misrepresenting the reliability of its network and is unfairly charging early termination fees.

Clearwire is upgrading its network from an early version of WiMax to mobile WiMax.

Clearwire representatives have said South Carolina would get the mobile WiMax version.

It’s unclear how soon the subcommittee will report back. The State Budget and Control Board has the final say.