The success of PCS rests in the ability to share spectrum with incumbent microwave users in the 1850-1990 MHz band. In turn, the ability to share spectrum with these users in this band depends highly upon the amount of spectrum allocated to PCS users. Spectrum allocations from 20 MHz to 40 MHz per PCS licensee are being considered by the FCC. While it may be possible to make some spectrum available by negotiating relocation agreements with certain of the microwave users in a given MSA, local government users may remain co-primary operators in the band indefinitely. The results of computer modelling indicate that these remaining local government microwave systems may greatly inhibit and even prevent the deployment of a PCS system in a given band depending upon the spectrum allocation scheme. The authors explore the 20 MHz, 30 MHz, and 40 MHz PCS allocation schemes and compare the amounts of available spectrum under each allocation scheme. In addition, they examine these spectrum availability amounts considering the influence of local government microwave paths. They conclude that the larger spectrum allocation schemes will greatly facilitate the deployment of interference-free PCS systems.
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