BRS & EBS Radio Services
The Broadband Radio Service (BRS), formerly known as the Multipoint Distribution Service
(MDS)/Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), is a commercial service. In the
past, it was generally used for the transmission of data and video programming to subscribers
using high-powered systems, also known as wireless cable. However, over the years, the uses
have evolved to include digital two-way systems capable of providing high-speed, high-capacity
broadband service, including two-way Internet service via cellularized communication systems.
Such services provide consumers integrated access to voice, high-speed data, video-on-demand,
and interactive delivery services from a wireless device.
The Educational Broadband Service (EBS), formerly known as the Instructional Television Fixed
Service (ITFS), is an educational service that has generally been used for the transmission of
instructional material to accredited educational institutions and non-educational institutions
such as hospitals, nursing homes, training centers, and rehabilitation centers using high-powered
systems. Our recent revamping of the EBS spectrum will now make it possible for EBS users to
continue their instructional services utilizing low-power broadband systems while also providing
students with high-speed internet access.
Transition Plan
The transition creates a process for relocating Educational Broadband Service (EBS) licensees and
Broadband Radio Service (BRS) licensees from their current channel locations to their new spectrum
blocks in the Lower Band Segment (LBS), Middle Band Segment (MBS), or Upper Band Segment (UBS).
New Technical Rules
Under the new rules, licensees will have the flexibility to use the technology of their choice
for a wide variety of purposes. Until a market is transitioned, licensees may continue to operate in
accordance with their currently licensed operations.
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