Raicom's core network crashed, and then it lost its spectrum licensesRaicom's core network crashed, and then it lost its spectrum licenses

A tiny fixed wireless network operator in Nebraska called Raicom received no reprieve from the FCC after it blamed a core network malfunction on its inability to continue offering services.

In a new order this month, the FCC said it would terminate two of Raicom's 700MHz spectrum licenses in Dundy County, Nebraska, for a variety of reasons, including for failing to promptly address its network failures. In its order, the agency's wireless bureau said "Raicom has failed to plead its case with sufficient factual and legal support."

Officials from Raicom didn't immediately respond to questions on the topic from Light Reading. Raicom is a subsidiary of BWTelcom, a cable TV and Internet provider in southwest Nebraska that has been operating since 1944.

In a filing earlier this year, Raicom said its core wireless network – built by Aricent – malfunctioned. Aricent was acquired by France's Altran in 2018, and two years later that company was then purchased by Capgemini.

"Following multiple attempts to fix the core and continue rural wireless service using the [spectrum] licenses, Raicom was forced to discontinue service because of a lack of ability to use existing equipment," Raicom told the FCC. The company added that it hoped to potentially lease out its spectrum licenses to other companies in order to resume offering services.

But the FCC wasn't having that.

"Even if the [FCC's Wireless] Bureau accepts Raicom's characterization of the purpose of the discontinuance rules, we find that Raicom has failed to meet its burden in pleading facts to support its waiver. Raicom mentions that the initial service disruption here was due to a wireless core meltdown that affected both networks, but it does not provide any additional details of its efforts to fix the problem," the FCC wrote in its order.

Continued the agency: "Raicom also fails to explain the circumstances behind its failure to file an extension request at least 30 days before the end of the 180-day discontinuance period, as required by rule. Nor does Raicom explain its failure to notify the Commission of its discontinuance within 10 days, which is also required by the rules. Finally, Raicom provides no detail regarding plans to reinstate the service, beyond stating generally its intent to partner with another company."

Fixed wireless operator Vistabeam – which offers services across parts of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, said in 2022 it acquired Raicom from BWTelcom.

"We acquired the towers, licensed links and broadband customers of Raicom, but not the LLC itself, which remained with BW Telecom," Vistabeam CEO Matt Larsen wrote in response to questions from Light Reading. "We removed all of the 700 MHz equipment and replaced it with more capable 5 GHz and CBRS gear back in Jan-Mar of 2023. I don't know anything about the 'core failure' – they may have kept a couple of 700 MHz base stations and customers running in Dundy County. ... We did not require any of their assets in Dundy County."

Raicom and Vistabeam are two of thousands of smaller fixed wireless operators that collectively support several million Internet customers across the US.

For its part, the FCC manages the nation's spectrum resources and is charged with ensuring that limited resource is put to use in a way that benefits the public in general.