US wireless cable television utilizes microwave radio frequencies to transmit TV programming similarly to traditional wired systems, allowing for fewer physical infrastructures. The FCC licenses these systems to deliver 20-33 channels of programming, including local broadcasts, and regulates the application process for new licenses. Although wireless cable systems are not governed by the 1992 Cable Act, they are intended to foster competition against established cable TV monopolies.

1. US WIRELESS CABLE
TELEVISION

2.  Use microwave radio communication frequencies in the 2150MHz-
and 2160MHz and 2500MHz to 2700MHzbands to provide channel
T.V programming similar to that offered by traditional hard wire
cable systems
 The signals are Txd over the air from Txn tower to antenna at each
subscriber`s home, thus eliminating the need for large N/W`s of
cable and amplifiers required by wire line cable operators.
 A typical W/L system consists of head-end equipment and
reception equipment at each subscriber location.

3.  These systems are licensed by FCC to deliver up to 33 channels
of programming and typically deliver programming on 20-25
channels, including local “off-air” broadcast channels that are
received directly by customer`s antenna rather than reTxd by
W/L cable operator.
 FCC given licenses as a series channel groups, consisting of
certain channel groups specifically allocated for W/L cable(MDS
and MMDS) and other channels originally authorized for
educational purposes. Excess capacity on the ITFS channels may
be leased by commercial W/L cable providers.
 Currently, up to 33 total channels are potentially available for
licensing, lease by W/L cable companies in each market
 The FCC imposes certain conditions and restrictions on the use
and operation of channels.

4.  The FCC imposed a freeze on filing of new application for
MDS/MMDS licenses in 1992 and for ITFS licenses in 1993.
 The freeze were intended to allow the FCC time to update its
W/L cable database and to review the rules for these services.
 New MDS/MMDS application are subjected to selection by
auction, just as PCS licenses were auctioned.
 ITFS licenses will continue to be awarded on a comparative
basis according to the FCC specified criteria.
 These freq. may soon reallocate to 3G W/L services.

5.  Although the principle regulatory provisions of 1992 cable Act
do not apply to W/L cable systems, such a systems are affected
by it.
 The US congress stated that its intent in passing the 1992 cable
Act was in part to establish and support existing and new
multichannel video services, such as W/L cable, to provide
competition to existing franchise cable T.V monopoly.
 A significant provision of 1992 cable Act guarantees access by
new multichannel video providers to traditional cable T.V.
programming on nondiscriminatory terms.