The Wireless Communications Service (WCS) may provide fixed, mobile, radiolocation or satellite communication services to individuals and
businesses within their assigned spectrum block and geographical area. The WCS is capable of providing advanced wireless phone services
which are able to pinpoint subscribers in any given locale. The WCS is most likely used to provide a variety of mobile services, including an
entire family of new communication devices utilizing very small, lightweight, multi-function portable phones and advanced devices with two-way
data capabilities. WCS systems are able to communicate with other telephone networks as well as with personal digital assistants, allowing subscribers
to send and receive data and/or video messages without connection to a wire.
The FCC's auction of WCS licenses helped kick off an entirely new industry. Competition in the WCS industry will benefit consumers and businesses.
The FCC's licensing plan for this spectrum provides for several new full service providers of wireless service in each market. Consumers will be able to
choose from multiple providers and will receive lower prices and better service as a result.
The Commission has divided the 128 markets allocated to the WCS into four frequency blocks (A through D) with 2 licenses per block
(Band Plan). (
pdf)
Blocks are divided into either Major Economic Areas (MEAs) or Regional Economic Area Groupings (REAGs). Blocks "A" and "B" consist of 52 MEAs
and Blocks "C" and "D" consist of 12 REAGs. The MEAs and REAGs are based on the 172 Economic Areas (EAs) developed by the Bureau of Economic
Analysis of the U.S. Department of Commerce and 3 EA-like areas.
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