Click to see specific topics:   MDS, MMDS AND ITFS Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) includes the FCC Part 21.900 services that are made up of 2.1 GHz (MDS channels 1, 2 and 2A) and 2.6 GHz (MDS channels H1, H2 and H3) frequency spectrum stations. Multichannel MDS (MMDS) includes FCC Part 21.900 services that are made up of 2.6 GHz (MMDS channels E1, E2, E3, E4, F1, F2, F3 and F4) frequency spectrum stations. Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) includes FCC Part 74.900 services in the 2.5 to 2.7 GHz frequency spectrum stations.  These stations operate both non-commercially and commercially (typically by excess capacity lease agreements). The MDS, MMDS and ITFS point-to-multipoint systems can operate as either analog video or broadband digital (data, telephony, video) wireless telecommunications facilities.  These FCC-licensed systems are extremely versatile, with the higher-powered single-site stations capable of serving distances in excess of 30 miles.  Digital systems are capable of providing both one-way and two-way services. Initially, MDS, MMDS and ITFS stations provided one-way commercial (or non-commercial in the case of ITFS) analog services, collectively known as “wireless cable” services, that were meant to compete with the more standard wire line cable providers.  While such commercial systems continue to exist, MDS, MMDS and ITFS have evolved into digital wireless broadband systems that can provide high speed one-way and two-way transmissions.  These high-speed wireless systems allow DSL-type Internet services with transmission speeds in excess of 1 Mbps.  These services have further evolved from high-powered single-site systems to lower-powered multi-site systems, capable of serving large cities with high-speed, high-capacity two-way wireless Internet service. DC specializes in the design and FCC licensing of all kinds of MDS, MMDS and ITFS stations.  Because the design and application requirements of these services are rather complex (especially for two-way systems), DC uses sophisticated software tools to meet a client’s needs in the development of these systems. Important MDS, MMDS and ITFS System Points  -  Existing operators control the licensing rights for MDS and MMDS throughout the United States (and various US territories).  New MDS and MMDS stations can only be obtained by existing operators that control the rights to operate such systems by having the licensing rights to geographical areas known as “Basic Trading Areas”.   Of course, a new entity can obtain the rights to operate MDS and MMDS by either purchasing existing licenses or by leasing services from the licensed operators.  - ITFS is typically an educational service, with licensing by educational institutions.  Much of an individual ITFS station license can, however, be made available for commercial through various leasing agreements.  While the FCC has the right to announce the availability of new ITFS, no such filings for new ITFS stations have been allowed since October 1995.  - Most large market stations are evolving from single-site analog to multi-site digital systems that are capable of two-way high-speed wireless service.  - The FCC protection requirements for MDS, MMDS and ITFS are very conservative, necessitating interference consent agreements and adjacent-system cooperation.  Without such cooperation (and consent), the ability for these systems to expand into multi-site high-capacity two-way systems is limited.   Click (Here) for an easy to print downloadable PDF brochure of all our services.