The 40 GHz band has been identified and designated within CEPT with a CEPT/ERC/DEC(99)15 [5] on the designation of the harmonized frequency band 40,5 GHZ to 43,5 GHz for the introduction of Multimedia Wireless Systems (MWS), including MVDS. The term "Multimedia Wireless Systems" has been introduced to cater for the phenomenon of convergence between terrestrial Fixed Service (FS) and Broadcasting Service (BS) applications, whereby distributors of entertainment services (broadcasters) are wishing to provide interactive services and telecommunications operators are wishing to supply broader band two-way services to wider markets.

Multimedia Wireless Systems are wireless systems, which support information exchange of more than one type, such as text, graphics, voice, sound, image, data and video. They are also defined as terrestrial multipoint systems which have their origin in telecommunication and/or broadcasting, and which provide fixed wireless access direct to the end user for multimedia services. These MWS may offer different degrees of interactivity, including purely distribution systems, such as digital MVDS.