Across the UK, cutting edge connectivity continues to empower citizens and businesses with new freedoms, knowledge and opportunities.
With our digital infrastructure evolving at pace, I welcome any reviews by Ofcom to ensure we’re up-to-date with the latest advancements. For this reason, I’ve been recently pouring through the regulator’s call for input on the trends in fixed wireless usage.
It’s a lengthy document, so I’ll try my best to keep my summary concise:
The good
It’s clear from the paper that Ofcom fully understands the importance of fixed links. From Penzance to Inverness, fixed links are an integral part of many UK communication networks and fulfilling the diverse needs of many communities. A number of users – from Mobile Network Operators to broadcasters – recognise that they offer quicker, cheaper and easier to deploy solutions than wired communications in certain circumstances.
The bad
What’s unavoidable in the paper is that there have been changes in fixed links usage since 2016. While Ofcom’s review points to a decline in the volume of fixed links in bands between 10-38 GHz, there is a small increase in numbers of fixed links in bands below 10 GHz, and a larger increase in the number of fixed links in the 70/80 GHz band.
Equally, while there have been declines in urban areas, fixed links have seen growth in rural areas and at network edges – what’s referred to as the final frontier. It's here where 60GHz mmWave-powered fixed links are enabling high speed wireless connectivity. This is essential for the continuity of business; cutting edge companies that are harnessing the likes of IoT, cloud services and AI to automate processes and increase efficiency rely on high-speed connectivity and the consistent low latency of fixed links to continue operating.
What the report fails to mention is that fibre will only be able to meet the requirements of those who live in densely populated urban areas. Consequently, as the fibre rollout has continued, the need for fixed links in highly-populated areas has dropped, leading to a reduction in volume. Replicating this model in non-urban areas could have disastrous consequences.
The ugly
Currently, wireless links installed in the UK range from a frequency of 1.4GHz to 86GHz. In the review, Ofcom has proposed that some spectrum currently used for fixed links may be better utilised elsewhere.
This has to be managed with extreme caution. Reallocating fixed wireless spectrum could have negative knock on effects, particularly for those living in rural areas. Whilst the data is clear that fixed wireless links have declined in urban areas, they have continued to increase in rural areas, providing essential connectivity where fibre simply isn't viable.
Emerging mmWave technology like 60 GHz mmWave Fixed Wireless Access is poised to deliver high-speed broadband to non-urban areas at a fraction of the cost of fibre, and this must be protected. Reallocating this spectrum would setback bridging the digital divide in unserved/underserved communities, when a readily available solution can already deliver speeds over 1 Gbps at 60 GHz.
The solution
I believe that Ofcom should continue enabling shared access and promoting new technologies, such as inexpensive phased array antennas that can target non-urban areas with gigabit speeds. 60 GHz can easily co-exist with other technologies, given its unique propagation characteristics.
After all, this would help the UK Government reach its goals. It was only in 2020 that ‘Project Gigabit’ - a cornerstone plan to drive establish 85% gigabit-capable coverage by 2025 – was announced. The alternatives to fixed links – such as fibre and 5G – are yet to reach their full potential. Fibre is still enormously expensive to lay in rural areas due to the logistics of deploying physical cables across long distances and difficult terrain, while 5G speeds are consistently slower than expected. Research has found that one in six mobile users feel the potential of the technology is overhyped and less than half have seen any noticeable improvements in speed or reliability since upgrading to 5G.
There are always trade-offs in spectrum regulation. But reallocating some frequency bands could have detrimental effects in bridging the digital divide. While it may offer minor benefits to mobile operators, I fear it will take the legs out from under innovative wireless ISPs ready to connect the final frontier. Simply put, next-generation wireless technology is ready and waiting to connect the UK, if given the spectrum resources needed to flourish.
The views expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not represent The Fast Mode. While information provided in this post is obtained from sources believed by The Fast Mode to be reliable, The Fast Mode is not liable for any losses or damages arising from any information limitations, changes, inaccuracies, misrepresentations, omissions or errors contained therein. The heading is for ease of reference and shall not be deemed to influence the information presented.
