218-219 MHz Service

About

The 218-219 MHz Service (formerly known as the Interactive Video and Data Service (IVDS)) is in the 218 – 219 MHz spectrum range. The 218-219 MHz Service spectrum is suitable for providing fixed or mobile services.

The 218 – 219 MHz Service dates back to 1989 when the FCC received a petition for rulemaking that proposed interactive capabilities for television viewers. In 1992, the FCC announced service rules for the 218 – 219 MHz Service. In 1999, the FCC revised many of the 218 – 219 MHz rules to increase flexibility for how licensees use the spectrum.

In 2010, the FCC proposed to move the service rules for the 218 – 219 MHz Service from Part 95 to Part 27, recognizing that the service may fit within the other Part 27 services more than Part 95 services. In 2017, however, the Commission terminated the proceeding without taking action on that proposal. FCC 17-57 .

Licensing

The FCC uses an auctions process to issue initial 218 – 219 MHz Service licenses. Previously, licenses were issued by lottery. You can also gain access to 218 – 219 MHz Service spectrum through the secondary market, which allows licensees to sell or lease spectrum.

You can find information about 218 – 219 MHz Service licenses in the Universal Licensing System (ULS). The ULS radio service code and description for 218 – 219 MHz Service is ZV.

The FCC service rules for the 218 – 219 MHz Service are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95.

Data

Market Areas and Channel Blocks

218 – 219 MHz Service licenses are issued by FCC market areas and channel blocks.

FCC market areas consist of one or more counties. The market area for 218 – 219 MHz Service licenses is:

• Cellular Market Areas (CMAs) – There are 734 CMAs

Channel blocks are groups of frequencies. The channel blocks for the 218 – 219 MHz Service licenses are:

Auctions

The only 218 – 219 MHz Service auction started on July 28, 1994 and ended on July 29, 1994. The auction is:

• Auction No. 2: 7/28/1994 – 7/29/1994