WiFi speedbumps in the UK
2The Register reports on a potential threat to the UK’s new freedom in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Up until 2
weeks ago, 802.11b outdoor or commercial use was prohibited. Now, the
Low Power Radio Association is feeling threatened
by this, according to their article.
My comments: It’s funny, just when I think that the USA has problems
with the FCC and its Part 15 rules in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, I’m
remineded that there are countries with even less freedom of the
airwaves available. I’m also surprised that Wi-Fi itself isn’t
considered “low-power” – sure, it is lower power than say, Bluetooth,
but surely not much less power than alarm circuits or meter-reader
radios. Sounds more like an established player is looking to hold onto
its turf.
Related posts:
There’s no info at the LPRA site, so I can’t speak definitively, but it’s likely that the LPRA people are LICENSED users of the spectrum, where Wi-Fi is an UNLICENSED use. This is the same upcoming battle/debate in the States between licensed amateur radio (and TV!) operators and unlicensed low-power users. The LPRA may represent companies that have equipment that they’ve invested millions or billions into that widespread Wi-Fi use might disrupt. So they may have a case to be made, especially if they paid for frequency.
On the other hand, it’s increasingly apparent that the current legislation and regulation of the airwaves represents a 1930s model.
Glenn,
There are some licensed ISM users of the 2.4GHz band in the UK, but we’re talking about analog signals and the like, same as in the US. As for other members of the LPRA, I don’t believe that they are licensed – look at all the bluetooth players, for example, which I’m pretty sure doesn’t require a license in the UK.