Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)
CTIA Position:
The successful conclusion of the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) Spectrum Auction, in September 2006, highlights the benefits of assigning unencumbered spectrum via auction to the American public.
The industry has great plans to put this spectrum to use in meeting the needs of wireless consumers. These consumers will reap the benefits of the nearly $14 billion that was raised.
Additionally, the Commission is currently considering service and technical rules for additional AWS spectrum. Consumers would be well served by the Commission’s policy of assigning spectrum to those most likely to put it to its highest use, through free and open auctions of spectrum free from government service mandates.
Key Points:
- AWS Allows Wireless Carriers to Offer More Extensive Broadband Services to More Consumers. Spectrum allocated from the AWS auction enables existing wireless carriers to expand and enhance their current networks and capabilities by offering next generation wireless broadband services to millions more Americans. Where wireless broadband is available, consumers have access to faster data applications—such as mobile video, email, and text messaging—allowing for even greater productivity, efficiency, mobility, and security.
- Consumers are Best Served by Open Auctions of Unencumbered Spectrum. The Commission should continue its pro-consumer policy of assigning unencumbered spectrum through a free and open auction process. This system has served consumers well in past auctions by allowing licensees the freedom to adopt a market-based business model designed to answer the demands of consumers.
- Existing AWS Licensees Must be Protected From Interference From New AWS Licensees. The Commission should not adopt technical rules for new AWS allocations to the detriment of existing AWS and broadband PCS licensees and their customers. Rules that recognize and mitigate the interference to existing AWS and broadband PCS licensees will best serve America’s wireless customers.
- CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC Creates an Orderly Process to Assist Licensees in Administering Cost Sharing Obligations Associated with the Relocation of Incumbent Licensees in the AWS Bands. In the wake of the AWS-1 Auction, the Federal Communications Commission selected CTIA to provide cost-sharing clearinghouse services for new AWS licensees and incumbent operators. To ensure the independence and neutrality of its clearinghouse, CTIA established a new entity, the CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC, to serve as the non-profit cost-sharing clearinghouse. The CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC is committed to administering the cost sharing functions for relocation of Broadband Radio Service (BRS) and Fixed Microwave Service (FS) incumbents from the 2.1 GHz band on a fair and equitable basis. The CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC was established to ensure that all parties involved in the post-auction cost sharing functions for relocation of incumbent users are treated equitably. In this manner, the clearinghouse stands ready to provide its services and expertise in the relocation of any incumbents in additional AWS allocations.
