MDS

  Two-Way Digital ITFS and MDS Communications Approved:
New Services and Faster Internet Access Available for Consumers.  

In September, 1998, The Commission has cleared the way for Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and the Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITSF) Licensees to offer two-way digital services.

Business Consumers as well as individuals will be able to utilize the high-speed and high-capacity Data Transmission & Internet Service that will be available through the new systems.

The Consumers will benefit from the new video-conferencing, distance learning and continuing education offerings.

The changes as of September 17th, 1998 further the mandate of Section 257 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Which requires the commission to identify and eliminate the market entry blockades for entrepreneurs and small business to encourage the diversity of media voices, strong economic competition, technological advancement & the promotion to the public interest.

Some of these Benefits are:

• Licensees are permitted to use all or part of any of their 6 MHz channels for two-way service.
• Licensees can use "Response Station Hubs," Which will serve as collection points for response station signals, which will be covered by a blanket license as opposed to applying for each license on an individual basis.
• Provides flexibility in two-way system design by allowing the combining of multiple channels to accommodate wider bandwidth uses and the "sub-channelizing" of 6 MHz channels for smaller bandwidth uses.
• Allows Response stations and boosters to operate to maximum permitted MDS & ITFS power levels.
• ITFS Licensees will have increased flexibility in using their channels for educational purposes and the opportunity for leasing excess channel capacity to wireless cable operators.

The order retains the existing 20 Hour per-channel per-week requirement for educational usage of ITFS channels.

At the same time it relaxes content restrictions by allowing for fulfillment of these requirements by way of data, voice, and video transmissions. The requirement being for the use by an accredited institution offering formal courses.

The Order requires that ITFS licensees operating the digital systems to retain at least 5% of the capacity of their spectrum for educational usage. With the advent of new digital compression techniques, the Commission assumes that this will be adequate for ITFS licensees to meet their educational usage obligations. The ITFS has no obligation to lease any of their capacity.

• ITFS will be given interference protection on the basis of a 35 mile radius (protected service area)
• Additional interference will be available through rules that require prior notification of the activation of a response station transmitter that is located within 1960 feet of a registered ITFS receive site. There will be prompt remedy of any interference caused to an ITFS user resulting in the immediate shut down of any transmitter causing interference that is not remedied promptly.