Broadband wireless gets spectrum boost

More of the ether will be made available for broadband fixed wireless links, communications watchdog Ofcom has decided.

Ofcom plans to open up more spectrum for very high capacity point-to-point wireless links.

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The links could potentially be used as alternatives to fibre-optic cable, with possible data speeds ranging from 1Gbps to 10Gbps over distances of one to two kilometres.

By comparison, traditional copper lines can usually offer connection speeds of between one and 24Mbps.

The watchdog said the spectrum is not currently in commercial use but that "technological developments" have opened up the possibility of new applications for these higher-frequency bands.

The high bandwidth combined with narrow-beam signal technology means a very large number of broadband users can co-exist on the spectrum without interference, Ofcom said.

Ofcom said the spectrum - due to be made available from spring 2007 - will be licensed rather than auctioned, as demand for the frequencies is unlikely to exceed supply.

It will offer registration on a first come, first served basis, with licensees paying £50 per link per year. The licences will be tradeable and licence holders themselves will be responsible for managing any interference issues between links.