The move follows a recent consultation - the notice of which was published in March - looking at draft regulations and proposed technical parameters for Wi-Fi in the 5.8GHz band. These included a power limitation of 200 mW per channel, a ban on fixed outdoor use, and normal WAS/RLAN channel access and occupation rules.
According to Ofcom, the proposed technical parameters were informed by the organisation’s previous, May 2016, consultation.
Speaking in the executive summary of Ofcom’s recently-published document ‘Decision to make wireless telegraphy exemption regulations 2017’, a spokesperson said: “We received 21 non-confidential responses and three confidential responses to the Notice. Some respondents commented on the policy decision to open the band to Wi-Fi, while others provided specific feedback on the proposed technical parameters.”
The spokesperson continued: “We have reviewed these comments carefully. On the basis of the responses received, we did not consider it necessary to revisit our decision to make the 5.8 GHz band available for Wi-Fi.
“We also continue to consider that the technical parameters presented in the Notice strike an appropriate balance of maximising benefits to consumers of Wi-Fi services while avoiding negative impacts on other users.”
Wi-Fi currently uses spectrum in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The regulations will come into force by 7 August 2017.
