CTIA Acting As Clearinghouse for Post AWS-Auction Relocations

The USA's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated the industry trade body, CTIA as a cost-sharing clearinghouse for relocating wireless licensees as a result of the 2006 Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) auction. The clearinghouse will administer fair and equitable cost-sharing functions for the relocation of Broadband Radio Service, Fixed Microwave Service, and Mobile Satellite Service incumbent licensees from the 2.1 GHz band.

"We appreciate the FCC for recognizing the important role CTIA can play to ensure that all parties involved in the post-auction spectrum distribution process are treated justly," said CTIA President and CEO, Steve Largent. "By registering with the CTIA Spectrum Clearinghouse, licensees can comply with FCC rules and ensure reimbursement for their relocation investments by new entrants for years to come," continued Largent.

In making spectrum available for AWS, the FCC requires that new licensees pay to relocate existing systems operating in the 2.1 GHz band. New entrants subsequently entering the market must share relocation costs by reimbursing a proportion of those costs that have already been paid by others. The purpose of a cost-sharing clearinghouse is to distribute the burden of relocation equitably and promote the rapid build out of new networks. The Clearinghouse encourages companies to register relocation costs to ensure notification of all cost-sharing opportunities."

Posted to the site on 6th October 2006