5G.co.uk reported that Ofcom, the U.K.’s FCC, released a five-year roadmap for fixed wireless in the UK. The regulator’s intention is to make new 60 GHZ spectrum available to enable 5G use cases, specifically those that require high capacity and very low latency.
Ofcom’s report follows consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including small and medium-sized enterprises and network operators, according to 5G.co.uk.
The regulator says it will take immediate steps to enable license-exempt access to 14 GHz of spectrum in the 60 GHz band. This will be through a regulatory change in the 57-66 GHz range, as well as making new spectrum available at 66-71 GHz.
According to Ofcom, ten bands currently used for fixed wireless links are being considered for alternative uses as part of international 5G discussions. This may mean existing fixed wireless links need to be moved out of current bands if future sharing is not possible, said 5G.co.uk
The Ofcom report noted, “We will focus our policy efforts on continuing to enable growth in the fixed wireless services sector taking into account the changes in spectrum use and requirements by other services. We will do this by providing access to spectrum in ways that enables uses that provide the most benefits to citizens and consumers.”
July 18, 2018
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