What are EBS and BRS licenses?

The 2.5 GHz band is divided into two radio services, Educational Broadband Services (EBS) and Broadband Radio Service (BRS). In 2005, the FCC approved changes to the rules to allow the use of EBS and BRS licenses for two-way, mobile and fixed data services. The regulations set in place allow EBS licensees to lease their spectrum rights for commercial uses, including broadband access. In July of 2019, the FCC adopted rules to commercialize the EBS band by removing the educational eligibility requirement. The implementation of these rules provide EBS licensees the ability to sell their licenses to a commercial party.

2.5 GHz (EBS/BRS)

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Select Spectrum has facilitated several hundreds of transactions for 2.5 GHz licenses, representing the interests of accredited educational institutions, nonprofit educational organizations and other license holders.

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The U.S. 2.5 GHz band spans 2496-2690 MHz (≈194 MHz total). It's standardized for LTE Band 41 and 5G NR n41, typically operated in TDD (time-division duplex).

History of the 2.5 GHz Band in the United States

The 2.5 GHz band has one of the longest and most complex histories in U.S. spectrum management. First allocated in the 1960s and 1970s as the Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS), it was intended to deliver one-way educational television broadcasts to schools and universities. By the 1980s, many licensees were unable to fully utilize their spectrum, and the FCC allowed them to lease excess capacity to commercial operators. This fueled experiments in “wireless cable” television services, though these struggled with high costs and strict line-of-sight requirements.

In the 1990s, the FCC modernized the rules to allow two-way digital and mobile operations, paving the way for interactive educational links and, later, broadband. The most significant change came in 2004-2005, when the FCC restructured the band into Educational Broadband Service (EBS) and Broadband Radio Service (BRS), consolidating legacy TV channels into blocks suitable for wireless data. Educational institutions continued to hold EBS licenses, but most entered long-term lease agreements with commercial providers, which began building large-scale broadband networks.

By the late 2000s, the band became central to early 4G deployments. Nationwide operators aggregated EBS and BRS spectrum, first using WiMAX and later LTE Band 41, making 2.5 GHz a capacity layer in major U.S. cities. Still, new licensing had been frozen since the mid-1990s, leaving large geographic “white spaces” unassigned, particularly in rural areas.

check_circle 1970s-1990s: Allocated for ITFS (instructional TV), later allowing commercial wireless cable and limited two-way.
check_circle 2004-2005: Reorganized into EBS/BRS for broadband; channel plan consolidated for data.
check_circle 2010s: Large-scale LTE Band 41 deployments; leases from educational licensees fuel nationwide use.
check_circle 2019-2022: FCC removes educational-only limits, opens Tribal priority and Auction 108 to license remaining “white-space” areas, integrating 2.5 GHz fully into flexible commercial use.

Services for Sellers

Maximize the Value of Your License

Selling spectrum requires more than just a listing. Select Spectrum provides valuation, marketing, and transaction advisory services to ensure you maximize returns. Our team helps sellers reach the right buyers and navigate regulatory requirements.

check_circle Expert Valuations - Market-driven analysis backed by FCC data and transactions.
check_circle Active Marketing - Direct outreach and promotion across industry networks.
check_circle Transaction Support - Guidance through negotiations, contracts, and filings.

Why Owners Consider Selling

check_circle Regulatory green light: Post-2019 rules allow outright sales (not just leases), freeing owners to monetize.
check_circle High demand for mid-band: 2.5 GHz is core to wide-area 5G capacity; buyers want larger, contiguous blocks.
check_circle Timing vs. value: As 5G densifies, many owners seek to capture value now rather than wait for uncertain lease renewals.
check_circle Capital for mission: Converting a non-operational RF asset into funds for core priorities.

If You're Evaluating a Sale

Evaluating selling your spectrum? The first step is understanding what you hold and the value it can unlock. The size, location, and alignment of your license all shape demand and the right positioning can make a critical difference to ensuring your institution obtains fair market value. From there, you can weigh your options including retaining or preserving your license, continuing to lease, selling part of your license or making a full sale.

This is where Select Spectrum can help. We provide independent comprehensive valuations, prepare clear coverage and population analyses and connect you with a network of qualified buyers. Our process streamlines diligence, builds competitive interest and helps establish true market value. By working with Select Spectrum, you gain a trusted partner who understands both the technical details and the market dynamics, ensuring you maximize returns while making the process smooth and transparent.