Licensees use cellular radiotelephone service (commonly referred to as cellular) spectrum to provide a mobile telecommunications service for
hire to the general public using cellular systems. Currently, cellular licensees must provide analog service, but may also provide digital service.
In 2002, the Commission established a five-year sunset period, ending on February 18, 2008, after which cellular service licensees may, but
will no longer be required to provide analog service. Cellular licensees that operate digital networks may also offer advanced two-way data services.
The Commission and other wireless industry representatives often refer to these services as "Mobile Telephone Services" and "Mobile Data Services."
You can read more about cellular including
operations and
data.
Cellular licensees that intend to discontinue analog service after February 18, 2008 are permitted, in lieu of making a
revised Cellular Geographic Service Area (CGSA) showing, to
file a certification stating that the discontinuance of analog service will not result in
any loss of wireless coverage throughout an affected CGSA. If a cellular licensee does not have any CGSA-defining cell site changes following the discontinuance of analog service, the licensee need not file a certification.
In order to monitor the development of hearing aid-compatible devices, and to ensure that wireless services are continuing to be made
available to persons with hearing disabilities as well as 911-only consumers, the Commission required nationwide cellular carriers to
file reports in February 2006 and February 2007. Copies of these reports can be viewed at the
Analog Cellular Status Reports page.
There are several issues to consider when searching for and selecting a mobile telephone service provider:
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