FCC Report: Spectrum Study of the 2500-2690 MHz Band

This Final Report describes the current uses of the 2500–2690 MHz band and analyzes the potential for using that band for third generation (3G) wireless systems. This band is one of several frequency bands identified at the 2000 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-2000) for possible 3G use. Third generation wireless systems will provide mobile, high-speed access to the Internet and other broadband services. In the United States, the 2500-2690 MHz band is currently used by the Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS), Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS), and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS). The study of the 2500-2690 MHz band has been conducted in two stages. In the Interim Report, we examined the nature and technical characteristics of planned 3G services, the current and planned use of the 2500-2690 MHz band by incumbent services, potential opportunities for sharing spectrum between 3G and incumbent services, and the potential impact on incumbent services of segmenting this band to provide separate spectrum for 3G and incumbent services. In this Final Report, we review and evaluate the earlier analyses and evaluate additional topics, including the possible relocation of incumbent services and the costs associated with such relocation.