Ofcom has published provisions for opening the 71-76GHz and 81-86GHz bands for licensed use, increasing the opportunities for broadband fixed wireless services.
Currently, the spectrum bands in question are not in commercial use. However, says Ofcom, technological developments offer the possibility of new applications for these higher frequency bands.
According to Ofcom, the 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.
The bands, which are planned to be made available from spring 2007, will be licensed rather than auctioned, as Ofcom does not expect demand for the spectrum to exceed supply. The band’s properties of high bandwidth combined with narrow beam signal technology mean that a very large number of broadband users could co-exist without interference.
Ofcom says it will adopt a ‘flexible light licensing process’ with registration on a first come, first served basis. The licences will be tradeable and licence holders themselves will be responsible for managing any interference issues between links.
Today’s statement from Ofcom follows a ten week public consultation.