The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the allocation and licensing of frequency bands throughout the United States. As the demand for wireless communication services grows, efficient spectrum management is increasingly important. To achieve this, the FCC partitions the country into various geographic and economic areas for licensing purposes, ensuring a balanced and effective distribution of frequencies.
1. Geographic License Areas
The FCC divides the U.S. into several geographic regions based on specific services, population density, and market dynamics. Key classifications include:
- Cellular Market Areas (CMAs)
CMAs represent the primary geographic framework for cellular services. There are 734 CMAs, which comprise both Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) for urban centers and Rural Service Areas (RSAs) for less populated regions. While MSAs focus on larger populations, RSAs cater to rural areas, supporting the unique needs of both environments.
Reference: 47 CFR § 22.909.
- Basic Trading Areas (BTAs)
Designed for personal communications services (PCS) and other wireless applications, BTAs consist of 493 smaller geographic areas identified by economic activity and local population centers. Citation: 47 CFR § 24.202(a).
- Major Trading Areas (MTAs)
MTAs are larger than BTAs, consisting of 51 regions that typically encompass several BTAs. They are primarily used for services such as broadband PCS, allowing for broader coverage across multiple markets. Citation: 47 CFR § 24.202(b).
- Economic Areas (EAs)
With 176 defined EAs, these areas service networks like the 220 MHz service and 700 MHz band, facilitating licensing based on economic demand and activity levels. EAs often include combinations of BTAs or CMAs. Citation: 47 CFR § 90.761.
- Regional Economic Area Groupings (REAGs)
REAGs consist of 12 larger regions that group multiple EAs to support services that require extensive coverage, enhancing the ability to deliver nationwide communications. Citation: 47 CFR § 27.6.
- Nationwide Licenses
Certain services, such as satellite communications and specific high-demand frequency bands, can be licensed for operation across the entire United States.
2. Regional Divisions
In addition to geographic licensing, the FCC also organizes frequency bands based on broader regional areas:
- Public Safety Regions: The FCC recognizes 55 public safety regions specifically for managing communications in emergency situations. These regions are particularly relevant for frequencies operating in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands and are structured around state boundaries and geographic characteristics. Citation: 47 CFR § 90.527.
- FCC Regions for Licensing (AM Radio): The U.S. is categorized into three distinct FCC regions for AM radio services, each with specific propagation characteristics and frequency allocations. Citation: 47 CFR § 73.21.
3. Rural vs. Urban Areas
The FCC makes distinctions between urban and rural areas for various frequency bands, particularly in mobile services.
- Urban Areas: These regions typically feature more competitive licensing frameworks and are densely populated, often categorized under MSAs.
- Rural Areas: Designed to encourage service deployment in less populated regions, rural areas may be licensed under RSAs or similar geographic classifications.
4. State and County-Based Licensing
In specific cases, such as public safety communications, broadcast frequencies, and microwave services, licenses may be issued on a state or county basis. For instance, the 600 MHz band features county-based licenses to support regional and rural service availability better. Citation: 47 CFR § 27.6.
5. International Boundaries
Given the proximity of Canada and Mexico, the FCC must consider international boundaries when managing the spectrum near these borders. Areas designated as Border Coordination Zones require special attention to prevent cross-border interference, ensuring harmonious spectrum usage. Citation: 47 CFR § 27.57.