The Forward Access Channel (FACH) is a downlink transport channel that carries control
information to terminals known to be located in the given cell. This is used, for example,
after a random access message has been received by the base station.
It is also possible to transmit packet data on the FACH. There can be more than one FACH in a cell. One of the forward access channels must have such a low bit rate that it can be received by all the terminals in the cell area. With more than one FACH, the additional channels can have a higher data rate.
The FACH does not use fast power control, and the messages transmitted
need to include inband identification information to ensure their correct receipt.
