Advanced Wireless Service
Advanced Wireless Spectrum, also known as AWS, is located in the 1710-1755MHz and 2110-2155MHz frequency ranges.
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 Federal Communications Commission conducted an auction for Advanced Wireless Service frequencies (AWS) in the summer of 2006. These frequencies can be used to offer a variety of wireless services, including Fourth Generation (4G) mobile broadband and advanced wireless services.
This spectrum is licensed on a flexible use basis under Part 27 of the Federal Communications Commissions rules. 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. The Commission has announced plans to auction additional AWS spectrum in the summer of 2011.
