Ofcom Permitting 5.8 GHz Wi-Fi

Ofcom has published a decision to make regulations allowing Wi-Fi use in the Amateur and Amateur Satellite Services 5725-5850 MHz band

Many Wi-Fi routers in the UK currently use a part of the spectrum called the 2.4 GHz band, which is becoming increasingly congested and can impair broadband performance. Many people have newer broadband routers, which use not only the 2.4 GHz band, but also the 5 GHz band – which has much more spectrum and is less congested.

To make connections faster, we are making regulations to open an additional 125 MHz of spectrum in a ‘sub-band’ within the 5 GHz frequency range for Wi-Fi – while ensuring protection for other users, such as satellite services.

The extra sub-band increases the number of 80 MHz channels available for Wi-Fi from four to six.

Ofcom Statement - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-3/wireless-telegraphy-exemption-regulations-2017

Authorisation of Commercial Multi User Gateways

Ofcom has published a statement setting out its decision to authorise the use of commercial multi-user ‘gateway’ devices, known as COMUGs, via licence exemption under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.

A gateway device uses SIM cards created and issued by a mobile network operator (MNO). This allows the device to originate calls or data on the MNO’s network.

Calls made using these devices from fixed lines to mobiles are treated by the recipient’s network as if they were made by a mobile phone, rather than made from the fixed line phone.

Gateways have typically been used in this way in the past to try to reduce the cost of making fixed-to-mobile calls. There is growing interest in using COMUG type devices to provide backhaul services both for voice and data services that may bring benefits to citizens and consumers.

Ofcom is now consulting on regulations that would exempt these devices from the requirement to obtain a licence under section 8(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.

Auction of Former Amateur Radio Spectrum

Ofcom has announced how valuable airwaves will be released to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband including new measures to safeguard competition.

Ofcom is helping to meet growing demand for mobile data by releasing extra spectrum, allowing mobile operators to increase their networks’ capacity.

Later this year we will auction licences to use 190 MHz of spectrum in two ‘frequency bands’ – 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz – increasing the airwaves available for mobile devices by almost one third.

The auction rules set out today are designed to reflect recent market developments and safeguard competition over the coming years.

The rules include competition safeguards. When auctioning the spectrum, Ofcom will impose two different restrictions on bidders. These will limit the amount of spectrum operators can win in the 2.3 GHz band; and place overall limits on the spectrum an operator can win across the 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands in aggregate.

Ofcom Statement - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/award-of-the-spectrum-bands