Newsletter 43  Oct 2008

A fillip has been given to backers of mobile WiMAX technology – in the US at least. The Federal Communication Commission has approved the use of newly-available spectrum in the 700MHz band, released by TV broadcasters, for “unlicensed” communication systems.

This seems to mean WiMAX, a technology often touted as a more powerful version of Wi-Fi, with a range measured in miles rather than metres. Although WiMAX usually uses higher frequencies, it can also operate in the 700Mhz band, gaining better penetration. The FCC ruling requires users to take enhanced precautions against interference with other equipment.

Various organisations are now working on plans to roll out extended WiMAX mobile networks in America, including a group of companies involving mobile network Sprint (which already has WiMAX networks) and Clearwire (which as a “pre-WiMAX” network). Google and Intel are also understood to be investors in a project valued at $14.6 billion.

While Europe is not directly affected by this development, a surge in popularity of WiMAX in the US would add worldwide momentum to the technology, and encourage suppliers to find opportunities to back similar initiatives elsewhere – perhaps presenting an alternative to Wi-Fi hotspots and even 3G data services.

 

However, analyst Ovum warns that many operational, legislative and practical issues will have to be resolved before new services are likely to pose a real challenge to mobile networks in the US.