FCC: Wireless Services: Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) Spectrum: AWS Spectrum Home

Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) Spectrum

The wireless industry has seen explosive growth in the demand for both voice and data services over the past several years. The number of mobile telephone subscribers, as well as usage rates, has grown considerably, and carriers have been upgrading their networks with advanced technologies in order to deploy both high-quality voice services and innovative data services.

In order to keep pace with this growth and provide additional spectrum for providers, the Commission is currently working to draft rules, auction, and license additional spectrum, labeled AWS, that can be used to offer a variety of wireless services, including Third Generation ("3G") mobile broadband and advanced wireless services.

In November 2003, the Commission created service rules for 90 megahertz of AWS spectrum at 1710-1755 and 2110-2155 MHz. The Commission plans to auction this spectrum as early as June 2006. This spectrum will be licensed on a flexible use basis under Part 27 of the Commission’s rules, according to the band plan (pdf).

In addition, in October 2004, the Commission allocated an additional 20 megahertz of AWS spectrum, the proposed F and G blocks, and sought comment on the service and technical rules for this spectrum.

Band Plan

Advanced Wireless Services Band Plan (pdf)

Releases

To view and download related Public Notices, Orders, New Releases and presentations, see Releases.

Industry Data

To view and download data on wireless licensees, as well as deployment data for the wireless and broadband sectors, see Industry Data.

Relocation Information

For information on the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (pdf) and the relocation of federal government users currently in the 1710-1755 MHz band, see Relocation Information.

Service At A Glance
Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) Spectrum
The Commission is currently working to allocate, auction, and license additional spectrum that can be used to offer a variety of wireless services, including Third Generation (“3G”) mobile broadband and advanced wireless services.
Also Known As	AWS
Service Rules	Spectrum will be licensed on a flexible use basis under 47 C.F.R., Part 27
Related Services
Cellular Broadband PCS BRS & EBS
Band Plan
Band(s)	1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz; additional F and G blocks proposed
Proceedings
Docket No. 00-258 allocates spectrum below 3 GHz for Advanced Wireless Services, including Third Generation ("3G") systems. View filed comments
Docket No. 02-353 establishes services rules for the 90 MHz of AWS spectrum in the 1.7 and 2.1 GHz bands. View filed comments
Docket No. 04-356 focuses on establishing service rules for the 20 MHz of AWS spectrum at 1915-1920 MHz, 1995-2000 MHz, 2020-2025 MHz, and 2175-2180 MHz. View filed comments
Filing Comments
Auctions
#66: AWS-1 8/9/2006 - 9/18/2006