The WiMAX Forum is talking up the European Commission’s decision to allow both TDD and FDD on the 2.6 GHz (2500-2690MHz) frequency band. The 2.3, 2.6 and 3.5 GHz frequencies are key bands for Mobile WiMAX technology, explains the Forum, and allowing both Mobile WiMAX (using TDD) with FDD-based cellular technologies like GSM and LTE, should assure them access.
The 2.6 GHz decision* was unanimously supported in the European Commission’s Radio Spectrum Committee, and it affords European Union administrations to make decisions in relation to the technology, services and usage that can be deployed within the band.
The intention is that the market can decide which technology to deploy in this band, determine the most appropriate use of this spectrum, and create significant opportunities through opening the spectrum which will benefit all consumers.
This decision was made in addition to the recently published European Commission Decision 2008/411/EC harmonising the 3.5 GHz band for electronic communications services and represents a key milestone in the drive to advance new liberalised approaches to spectrum management within the European Commission WAPECS (“Wireless Access Policy for Electronic Communications Services”) initiative.
With the 2.6 GHz regulations now in place, EU administrations can proceed with spectrum awards for this band as a matter of priority.
But can different TDD and FDD technologies effectively share the same band without causing problems? Oh, sure, says The Forum, we’ve got white papers.
Ericsson is not convinced. They expect LTE to dominate.
British provider On-Communications has committed to an extensive rollout of WiMax gear in the U.K.’s chief cities and towns but the company’s CEO, Ian Roberts, says he has no plans to get involved in the upcoming auction of WiMax-suitable 2.6 GHz spectrum in the U.K.
On-Communications already provides fixed-wireless access services, using unlicensed 5.4GHz and 5.8GHz spectrum and will use will use Airspan’s 3.5 GHz MicroMAX technology, to replace older equipment with WiMAX standard gear.
Freedom4 (formerly Pipex Wireless) is more focused on delivering broadband services to individuals, rather than supplying businesses.
Related Dailywireless articles include; Battle for Britain, European 2.5 GHz Auctions & the Global Market, WiMax: East Meets West, Mobile WiMAX: Fast and Cheap or Out of Control?BT’s European WiMAX Plan, WiMAX Roundup, Australia Unwired, India 2nd Largest Mobile Market, Intel: $500M for M-Taiwan.
