The argument for allocating 6GHz to fixed wireless access and Wi-Fi, rather than making it into additional spectrum for 5G
Ireland is one of many European countries in the vanguard of rolling out technologies intended to address the digital divide – for consumers and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
There are around 30 companies like Wireless Connect operating in Ireland, and a couple of thousand across Europe. There is a growing desire to invest within our communities and deliver reliable connectivity to all.
We are operating in a sector evolving at a phenomenal rate. In 2006 we were delivering 1Mbps to customers; now we deliver 200-250x this. The race to gigabit connectivity is on, but will only be achieved if ISPs are given access to the additional licence-exempt spectrum they need. Being able to deliver and brand yourself as ‘gigabit capable’ is essential to compete. Giving ISPs the tools to offer gigabit and above speeds will help the European Union and its member states achieve the goals set out in its Digital Decade Programme.
Successes outside the region
If Europe’s smaller ISPs are not allocated more licence-exempt spectrum, they cannot deliver these goals. This is why companies like Wireless Connect and international organisations like the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) are advocating strongly for those looking to deploy and invest in their own infrastructure.
Additional spectrum within the 6GHz band would bring greater choice to customers, as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) provides an alternative infrastructure that can compete on price to foster fair competition. The 2030 Gigabit targets could even be surpassed.
We are seeing demonstrable results from the Americas: 6GHz technologies are deployed in rural areas across the US after the decision to grant ISPs and other organisations access to the full 1.2GHz of spectrum within the 5.9-7.1GHz band. This is being used successfully for FWA and Wi-Fi.
FWA is also a big success in South America with the growing support of regulators in the region. We want to stop envying our FWA colleagues across the Atlantic and to enjoy the same opportunities to connect the unconnected with Gigabit speeds in Europe.
We have the equipment here in Europe, ready to go, but cannot deploy them at the same level of performance and scale as across the ocean. There is a huge desire to get the ball rolling and unleash the capabilities 6GHz FWA, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E across our continent.
We urge the EU to follow their example and empower businesses to deliver innovative technologies to those who need it most. This is how to ensure all Europeans enjoy the same social and economic benefits as the well-connected across the world and bridge the digital divide.
Levelling the playing field
There are ongoing discussions about the suitability of the 6GHz band for 5G technologies. 5G and Wi-Fi are complementary, not replacements for each other. At present, only 40% of 5G licensed frequencies have been deployed. It’s vital that telcos invest and deploy in the frequencies they have been allocated before asking for more.
There has been a huge impetus to improve conditions for telcos, but more needs to be done for the consumer. That is why utilising the entire 6GHz band for licence-exempt access is so important.
Wireless-based ISPs complement the investments made by larger telecom companies whose main focus is urban, more densely populated areas. Most of the smaller ISPs that invest in their own localities base services on proximity, rather than analysis to assess which areas would be most profitable.
Power to the people
Giving Wi-Fi and FWA providers greater amounts of spectrum would enable a holistic solution to the tapestry of Europe’s connectivity problems, while remaining consistent with regional policies. This demands greater collaboration from all relevant parties to build on existing pro-competition infrastructure policies.
Through more joined-up thinking from regulators and legislators – particularly in the context of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act – Europe can achieve great things. Continued support is necessary for general authorisation and licence-exempt spectrum sharing for Europe’s smaller ISPs to build credible platforms to attract further investment and development in pursuit of greater connectivity.
Empowering 450 million citizens and thousands of SMEs to buy and install their own 6GHz wireless solutions in their homes, businesses and communities is far more beneficial than auctioning off the 6GHz spectrum to a few high bidders. Giving control of this resource to a companies could lead to them monopolising access to 5G services and holding everyone else at ransom.
About the author
Tom Smyth is Managing & Technology Director at Wireless Connect which is a partner of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA)