Ofcom to offer more spectrum for Wi-Fi connections

News Broadband United Kingdom 13 MEI 2016
Ofcom to offer more spectrum for Wi-Fi connections

UK regulator Ofcom has announced plans to speed up Wi-Fi connections. The proposals would open up more airwaves for Wi-Fi channels so that larger amounts of data can be carried at faster download speeds. Many Wi-Fi routers in the UK currently use spectrum from the 2.4GHz band, which is becoming increasingly congested.

Many people now have newer broadband routers, which use both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Ofcom is proposing to open up an additional 'sub-band' within the 5 GHz frequency range for Wi-Fi. This sub-band would increase the number of 80 MHz channels available for Wi-Fi from four to six.

Ofcom believes that these extra channels, which are already being used in the US, could be opened up in a few years. This includes time for study of the technical conditions that will allow the sub-band to be used in a way that appropriately protect other users; to consult on these conditions; to take any steps required to write standards and/or regulations; and to allow time for manufacturers to update their products.

Categories:

Internet,  Wireless

Countries:

United Kingdom

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, Data services, Wi-Fi, Bearer technology, Services, Market, Wireless, Internet Access

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