(
Multichannel
Multipoint
Distribution
Service or
Microwave
Multipoint
Distribution
Service) A digital wireless transmission system that works in the 2.2-2.4 GHz range. Also known as "wireless cable," MMDS requires line of sight between transmitter and receiver, which can be 30 or more miles apart.
MMDS was designed initially as a one-way service for bringing cable TV to subscribers in remote areas or in locations that are difficult to install cable. It supports approximately 33 analog and more than 100 digital TV channels. In late 1998, the FCC opened up the technology for two-way transmission, enabling MMDS to provide data and Internet services to subscribers. See
AWS,
LMDS and
DBS.