Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is considering a new approach to meet the growing demand for data by exploring the possibility of making additional capacity available in the upper 6 GHz spectrum band.
The move aims to alleviate the pressure on radio spectrum. driven by the increasing use of both Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
Currently, there is considerable industry interest in utilising the upper 6 GHz spectrum band to support the continuous growth in data traffic. This is divided between dedicating the band exclusively for licensed mobile use or utilizing it for low-power licence-exempt applications like Wi-Fi.
However, instead of choosing one exclusive use over the other, Ofcom is exploring an alternative approach called “hybrid sharing.” This approach aims to enable simultaneous use of the spectrum band for both Wi-Fi and mobile services. Ofcom is actively investigating two potential methods for achieving this:
Indoor-outdoor split: As Wi-Fi routers primarily operate indoors, catering to localised broadband traffic, and mobile transmitters predominantly function outdoors, providing wider coverage, Ofcom is exploring the feasibility of allowing indoor Wi-Fi use while permitting licensed mobile use outdoors.
Geographical sharing: Recognizing that data traffic across mobile networks is concentrated in specific high-traffic areas, Ofcom is considering the possibility of enabling licensed mobile use in those locations while allowing Wi-Fi use in other areas. Additionally, they are exploring the option of prioritizing Wi-Fi use in high-demand regions while permitting mobile use elsewhere.
Ofcom aims to identify suitable hybrid sharing mechanisms that foster coexistence between licensed mobile and Wi-Fi services in the upper 6 GHz spectrum band. They are also advocating for international harmonization of hybrid sharing in this band to facilitate economies of scale for equipment.
Stakeholders and industry participants are invited to provide their comments on this approach by September 15, 2023.
