Ofcom to release more spectrum to meet Wi-Fi demand

Ofcom is set to release more spectrum in a bid to meet growing Wi-Fi demands, as UK households consume 315 GB of broadband data a month.

The regulator announced its proposal to free up an extra 500 MHz of spectrum for Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band on 17 January to improve Wi-Fi’s reliability across the country’s homes and offices and support low-power outdoor uses, such as virtual and augmented reality.

“These airwaves will be available without the need for a licence,” Ofcom said.

Ofcom also intends to open access to 18.2 GHz of spectrum in the 100–200 GHz band to help support development of “innovative wireless services across a range of industries in the future”, the regulator said.

“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, and health screening applications — for earlier detection of conditions such as skin cancer,” Ofcom said.

The regulator will be consulting on the proposals until 20 March 2020.

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