Geographic Partitioning and Spectrum Disaggregation by Commercial Mobile Radio Services Licensees; and Implementation of Section 257 of the Communications Act; Elimination of Market Entry Barriers

In this Report and Order in WT Docket No. 96-148, the Commission adopts rules concerning geographic partitioning and spectrum disaggregation by broadband personal communications service (PCS) licensees. The rules adopted for broadband PCS will permit partitioning and disaggregation by all broadband PCS licensees. This will provide broadband PCS licensees with desirable flexibility to determine the amount of spectrum they will occupy and the geographic area they will serve. Such flexibility will: facilitate the efficient use of spectrum by providing licensees with the flexibility to make offerings directly responsive to market demands for particular types of service; increase competition by allowing market entry by new entrants; and expedite the provision of service to areas that otherwise may not receive broadband PCS service in the near term.