Telecoms regulator Ofcom plans to open up new spectrum
bands to allow service providers to offer ultra high-speed wireless
broadband services to companies.
Ofcom intends selling relatively cheap licences to cover the
sale of fixed wireless broadband services in the 71-76GHz and
81-86GHz bands.
At present, these spectrum bands are not in commercial use.
However, new technology offers the possibility of applications for
these higher frequency bands, said Ofcom.
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 1gbps to 10gbps over distances
of 1km to 2km. In comparison, copper loop broadband networks
typically enable connection speeds of between 1mbps and 24mbps.
Ofcom is proposing that the spectrum bands should be licensed on
a first come, first served basis, rather than through an auction,
which would have driven up the price.
The aim is to offer high bandwidth with a narrow beam so a very
large number of users could co-exist without any interference.
Demand for the spectrum is therefore very unlikely to exceed
supply, said Ofcom.
A consultation is being run by Ofcom on the proposal until 2
August.