Ofcom today published proposals to increase the opportunities for
broadband fixed wireless services, by opening the 71-76GHz and 81-86GHz bands for licensed use.
An Ofcom statement said, “At present these spectrum bands are not in commercial use. However, new technology offers the possibility of new applications for these higher frequency bands.
“These applications could include very high capacity, point to point wireless networks, which could potentially be used as alternatives to fibre optic cable. Possible data speeds range from 1Gb per second to 10Gb per second over distances of 1-2 km. In comparison, copper loops typically enable connection speeds of between 1 and 24 Mbps.”
Ofcom is proposing that the band should be licensed on a first come, first served basis, rather than auctioned, as the band’s unusual properties – high bandwidth, narrow beam – mean that a very large number of users could co-exist without interference. Demand for the spectrum is therefore very unlikely to exceed supply.
The consultation runs until 2 August 2006.