Ofcom has published a paper on Terahertz spectrum. The UK regulator is seeking views on how to maximise the long-term value of radio spectrum in the 100 GHz to 3 THz range and called on market parties to email in their thoughts. It will use the feedback to help design its next Spectrum Roadmap, which will be published in the spring of 2022.
The Terahertz frequencies are at the very top of the spectrum range currently authorised for use. At the moment, they are used for limited scientific applications, such as weather forecasting and climate change predictions. However, the telecom industry is already looking with interest at the Terahertz bands for 6G networks, thanks to the potential for much higher bandwidths, in the terabits per second.
Ofcom said it was open to new approaches to managing the bands, depending on emerging technologies and interest. However, this will also require greater collaboration and cooperation between the different types of spectrum users in these bands, and much will depend on international standards related to the spectrum, it noted.
