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 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.
The AWS spectrum, as well as the spectrum to be available in the upcoming 700 MHz auction, is critically important to providing cutting-edge wireless services to all Americans.
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.
- AWS Enhances the Competitive Environment Within the Telecommunications Industry. In addition to enabling existing wireless carriers to extend their broadband services, AWS also opens doors for new entrants. This benefits consumers because it enhances the competitive environment within the industry and gives new entrants an opportunity to meet growing consumer
- AWS Highlights the Wireless Industry’s Commitment to Delivering Cutting-Edge Wireless Technology to All Customers. Through the September 2006 AWS Auction alone, the wireless industry collectively invested nearly $14 billion just for the allocated spectrum licenses. This tremendous investment underscores the industry’s commitment to expand broadband services to all Americans.
- CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, LLC Creates an Orderly Process to Assist Licensees in Administring Cost Sharing Obligations Associated with the Relocation of Incumbent Licensees from the 2.1 GHz Band. In the wake of the recent AWS 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 sets a rational, sensible precedent that can be useful in relocation cost sharing activities in future spectrum auctions.
