A powerful new Communications technology now reaching the market. Like Cellular Telephone service, PCS is a wireless system, but it operates in the 2 GHz Frequency range auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as opposed to the 800 MHz range. Sho-Me and other utilities and railroads
occupy the 2 GHz range but must get out as PCS companies such as AT&T, Sprint and
MCI expand their PCS range. Negotiations with the PCS provider determine how
much money Sho-Me receives to implement a different system. The three most
common replacement technologies are 6 GHz Analog, 6 GHz Digital, and Fiber Optics.
Unlike cellular, which is an analog technology, PCS is digital, allowing it to
transmit and receive computerized information and messages more efficiently
and effectively. As the technology becomes more sophisticated it will be able to
handle more-complex data, including video. Because of the investment in
acquiring the frequency rights and building the system, many experts feel PCS
providers have an ultimate goal of replacing hard-wired systems currently in use in
homes and offices. Ultimately, a consumer could take their phone with them when
they leave home and receive calls anywhere in the world at their existing
phone number.