The broadcast regulator Ofcom plans to make millimetre wave spectrum available for new uses including those providing transport-related solutions.

It’s opened a consultation to make some mmWave spectrum available so it can be used for 5G, mobile broadband and other new uses.

The organisation says this has the potential to unlock more capacity and faster speeds, which could enable people to benefit from faster broadband, better quality mobile services, and innovative new services.

In its consultation document it says, “From initial engagement with prospective mmWave spectrum users, we understand current known applications of mmWave spectrum include mobile hotspots, fixed wireless access (FWA) services providing speeds/throughput of over 1 Gbit/s, integrated access and backhaul (IAB), and mobile private networks.38 We strongly expect new uses cases to develop over time, beyond these current known applications.

“Reports from the mobile industry suggests that mmWave spectrum could also support applications such as augmented and/or virtual reality, remote object manipulation, and intelligent transport systems, which require very high data rates. We therefore expect a range of potential users of mmWave spectrum, including nation-wide.”

You can respond to the consultation until 18 July. Read the full document here.

(Picture – Yay Images)