non-wireline carrier Also known as an A Carrier. A provider of cellular radio service that is not a tra- ditional landline telecommunications services.The distinction between wireline and non-wireline carriers was made primarily for purposes of segregating bidders for radio spectrum assignment during the FCC cellular spectrum auctions. The initial approach toward spectrum assignment was designed to ensure that there was one wireline (i.e., telephone company) and one non-wireline carrier per market. See also carrier, cellular, FCC, landline, radio, spectrum, and wireline carrier. 74570c14.qxd 9/11/07 12:26 PM Page 340 |