FCC: Wireless Services: Local Multipoint Distribution Service: LMDS

Antenna Information Office of Engineering and Technology

Construction/Coverage Requirements

EIA Electronic Industries Alliance

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

NSMA National Spectrum Managers Association

RF Safety Issues Office of Engineering and Technology

SBE Society of Broadcast Engineers

TIA Telecommunications Industry Association

ULS Universal Licensing System

Local Multipoint Distribution Service

Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) is generally considered a broadband fixed service (mobile services are not prohibited). See Part 101, Subpart L. LMDS was originally envisioned as a multichannel wireless cable TV medium. Although LMDS may render any kind of communications service consistent with Commission rules, one current use is in competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) service providing voice and data connectivity to business customers. LMDS uses a cellular infrastructure, with multiple base stations and small customer transceivers able to return communications.

The Commission auctioned two LMDS licenses per market (Basic Trading Areas). The "A" license includes a total of 1,150 megahertz bandwidth and consists of the 27.5 – 28.35 GHz, 29.1 – 29.25 GHz and 31.075 – 31.225 GHz bands. The "B" license, 150 megahertz wide, covers 31.0 – 31.075 GHz and 31.225 GHz – 31.3 GHz.

Licenses are issued for a ten year period. Like DEMS or 24 GHz market area, a demonstration that the licensees are providing substantial service is a requirement for renewal of licenses.

Auctions

The FCC held Local Multipoint Distribution Service auctions in Februrary-March 1998 (Auction 17) and in April-May 1999 (Auction 23).

Construction/Coverage Requirements

The FCC requires most wireless telecommunications services licensees 1) to construct their authorized system or meet specific coverage requirements within a given time period and 2) to notify the Commission that the requirement has been met. This time period varies depending on the radio service in which the license is held.

More about Construction/Coverage Requirements...

Service At A Glance
Local Multipoint Distribution Service
Generally considered a broadband fixed service. LMDS is a broadband service that may render any kind of communications service consistent with the Commission rules. LMDS uses a cellular infrastructure. The Commission auctioned two LMDS licenses per BTA (Basic Trading Areas).
Also Known As	LMDS
Established	1996
Service Rules	47 C.F.R., C.F.R., Parts 1, 101
Related Services
24 GHz Market Area 39 GHz Market Area 70-80-90 GHz Fixed Microwave Services Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service
Band Plan
Band(s)	“A” block: 27.5 – 28.35 GHz, 29.1 – 29.25 GHz and 31.075 – 31.225 GHz “B” block: 31.0 – 31.075 GHz and 31.225 GHz – 31.3 GHz
Blocks	Two Licenses per BTA
Block Size	"A" block 1,150 megahertz per market area (BTA) " B" block 150 megahertz per market area (BTA)
Market Areas	493 BTAs
Licensing

System	ULS
ULS Radio Service Codes
LD
Auctions
#17: LMDS 2/18/1998 - 3/25/1998
#23: LMDS 4/27/1999 - 5/12/1999