FCC Designates Spectrum for Advanced Wireless Services

The FCC allocated and paired five-megahertz blocks of spectrum at 1915-1920 MHz with 1995-2000 MHz, and 2020-2025 MHz with 2175-2180 MHz for advanced wireless services (AWS), potentially including 3G services. The Commission redesignated the 1915-1920 MHz band for AWS from Unlicensed Personal Communications Services (UPCS) and pairs this five-megahertz block of spectrum with the five-megahertz block at 1995-2000 MHz (which was previously allocated for the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS)). An additional ten megahertz of spectrum at 2020-2025 MHz and 2175-2180 MHz -- previously allocated for MSS -- is to be made available as paired five-megahertz spectrum blocks. The Commission concluded that pairing the bands in this manner promotes a more efficient use of the spectrum and complements adjacent band operations.



"The 20 MHz of licensed spectrum we make available, in addition to the 90 MHz of spectrum previously made available, will help expedite the delivery of licensed broadband Internet wireless service to all consumers across the nation," said FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell. http://www.fcc.gov