Statement on power increase for 5.8 GHz FWA

Amendment to the regulations for broadband fixed wireless access in the band 5725-5850 MHz to allow higher power use

Summary

The UK regulations governing civil use of the band 5725 - 5850 MHz for broadband fixed wireless access (FWA) will change from today.

This is a result of responses to the Ofcom consultation on Higher power limits for licence exempt devices carried out in July 2006. The responses to the consultation were favourable in supporting the proposal to increase in the maximum power limit from 2 to 4 Watts EIRP (in all geographic areas).

Concern has been raised that a so-called digital divide exists in the availability of services, particularly broadband, in rural and urban areas in the UK. Ofcom's Communications Market Report: Nations and Regions showed that the gap is closing and 41% of adults in rural areas have broadband internet at home compared to 45% of adults in urban areas. Changing regulation in this band, enabling greater geographical coverage, could help to increase access to wireless broadband in rural areas.

The full document is available below