Ofcom proposals to boost wifi and open access to higher frequencies for innovation
Homes and businesses across the country are set to benefit from more reliable Wi-Fi, under new proposals set out today by Ofcom.
Demand for data is growing, with households now using 315 GB of broadband data a month – the equivalent of watching up to four hours of HD video content a day. Additionally, new services are being developed that require reliable connections, on the move.
To help meet this growing need, they are proposing to make 500 MHz of additional spectrum available for Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz frequency band. These airwaves will be available without the need for a licence.
These measures aim to help people get a more reliable connection across all devices using Wi-Fi in the home and in the office. They will support new innovative uses for very low power outdoor use, such as Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR).
Opening up 18.2 GHz to support innovation at extremely high frequencies
They have also today proposed to open access to 18.2 GHz of spectrum in the 100-200 GHz band range – which is part of the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) spectrum. Spectrum above 100 GHz will open up new opportunities to develop innovative wireless services across a range of industries in the future.
These could include:
• Very high speed data links – necessary for 3D holograms and future internet of things (IoT) applications;
• High precision industrial use – micro positioning robots and testing manufactured products;
• Health screening applications - for the earlier detection of conditions such as skin cancer.
This is part of their ongoing work to support wireless innovation, by making sure people and organisations can easily access the spectrum they need.
