Ofcom proposes a compromise that will allow both Wi-Fi and mobile internet users to benefit from additional capacity offered by using frequencies in the 6GHz spectrum.
Representatives from the mobile and Wi-Fi industries are heavily lobbying for the frequency band to be used for their services. The debate is heating up ahead of the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) this November in Dubai, which will result in internationally binding decisions.
Mobile network operators would like the spectrum (frequency range 6425-7125 MHz) to boost mobile data coverage in busy areas, like shopping centres, railway stations and sports arenas. The frequency doesn’t travel far and doesn’t penetrate well, meaning it’s unsuitable for wider UK coverage. However, it could solve network congestion issues at major sporting events or during peak-times at major transport hubs.
Meanwhile, those developing Wi-Fi services say the frequencies would be ideal for home broadband users – it could provide better speeds and provide valuable extra capacity in areas where existing Wi-Fi bands suffer interference from neighbours. More Wi-Fi bandwidth could be a bonus for busy households wanting to stream multiple items in the highest possible quality. And this becomes more relevant as traditional TV platforms prepare to migrate online in the coming decade.
But Ofcom says it believes an alternative approach is possible, by means of a compromise.
The UK’s broadcast and telecoms regulator says it is exploring options that would enable the introduction of both Wi-Fi and licensed mobile use of the band in relatively close proximity, in what it calls “hybrid sharing”.
How would hybrid sharing work?
Hybrid sharing in the upper 6 GHz band has the potential to increase utilisation of the
spectrum by leveraging the particular characteristics of the frequencies and the different
patterns of use of licensed mobile and Wi-Fi, for example:
- Indoor outdoor split. Wi-Fi access points tend to be deployed indoors – carrying
localised indoor traffic tethered to a fixed broadband service, whereas mobile base
stations are predominantly located outdoors – providing wider area coverage
(including indoor connectivity). Therefore, we want to explore the possibility of enabling the indoor use of Wi-Fi (or other low power licence exempt technologies such
as 5G NR-U) whilst also enabling licensed mobile use outdoors. - Geographical sharing. The bulk of data traffic in mobile networks tends to be
concentrated in a relatively small proportion of sites. It might be possible to enable
licensed mobile use in specific high-traffic locations whilst allowing Wi-Fi use
elsewhere. It might also be possible to prioritise Wi-Fi use in specific areas of high
demand whilst allowing mobile use in other areas.
At present, the band is used for other valuable services, including Fixed Links, Fixed Satellite Services, Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE), space science uses such as Earth Exploration Satellite Services (EESS) and Radio Astronomy, and Short-Range Devices. Therefore, Ofcom also wants to understand the coexistence challenges that the introduction of hybrid sharing may have for existing users and how they may be solved.
Therefore it has launched an industry consultation so it can formulate a plan of action and adopt a position when Ofcom representatives attend the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) later this year.
Marc Thornham