The FCC adopted more flexible rules governing the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) in the 2495-2690 MHz band. The new rules:
- create a new band plan for 2495-2690 MHz, which eliminates the use of interleaved channels by MDS and ITFS licensees and creates distinct band segments for high power operations, such as one-way video transmission, and low power operations, such as two-way fixed and mobile broadband applications. By grouping high and low power users into separate portions of the band, the new band plan reduces the likelihood of interference caused by incompatible uses and creates incentives for the development of low-power, cellularized broadband operations, which were inhibited by the prior band plan.
- rename the MDS service the Broadband Radio Service (BRS), while maintaining the ITFS label for ITFS licenses and operations.
- expand the original MDS-ITFS band by adding to it five megahertz of additional spectrum from below 2500 MHz, which increases the total size of the band to 194 megahertz. This will provide room for the future relocation of MDS Channels 1 and 2, which are presently located in the 2.1 GHz band.
- allow for spectrum leasing under the FCC’s secondary market rules, but grandfather all existing leasing arrangements between MDS and ITFS licensees.
- BRS and ITFS providers will have a three-year period during which they may propose transition plans for relocating existing facilities of all other licensees within the same Major Economic Area (MEA) to new spectrum assignments in the revised band plan.
FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell said: “The magnitude of today’s ruling is apparent when one considers that this band is double the spectrum that sparked the WiFi explosion at 2.4 GHz and equivalent to the entire spectrum devoted to terrestrial mobile, wireless services. Until now, 2.5 GHz has failed to emulate the successes experienced by these other bands.”http://www.fcc.gov