Plans by US mobile operators AT&T and Verizon Wireless to launch services in recently-acquired 700MHz spectrum could be in jeopardy following moves to delay the digital TV switchover in the US, reports the Washington Post. Last week, the so-called ‘transition team’ working on behalf of President-elect Barack Obama asked Congress to consider delaying the US’ switch to digital TV scheduled for 17 February, claiming there is “insufficient support” for problems consumers may face during the switchover from analogue. The spectrum that the TV broadcasters are vacating is the same planned for use by the new mobile services.  

The delay could derail the ‘next-generation’ rollout plans by Verizon and AT&T, as both have previously said they plan to use 700MHz spectrum for mobile services based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. Verizon is reportedly planning to launch LTE services before the end of the year, potentially making it the world’s first mobile operator to do so. Verizon and AT&T spent a combined total of more than US$16 billion in the US government’s 700MHz license auction last year. Another big spender in the auction – Qualcomm – said last week it was planning to use the new spectrum to roll out its MediaFLO mobile TV service to more than 100 US markets this year.