By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 11-18-20
The FCC was getting kudos from WiFi fans and stakeholders for its unanimous decision Wednesday (Nov. 18) to open up 45 MHz of midband spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band for unlicensed use.
Those included the cable operators for whom WiFi hot-spots are their primary mobile broadband play.
“We applaud Chairman Pai and the entire Commission for their multi-year commitment to bringing underutilized 5.9 GHz spectrum into more productive use,” said NCTA-The Internet & Television Association, in a statement. “The Commission’s bipartisan approval of a band-split approach will enable creation of a new, wide indoor WiFi channel that can quickly be brought online for American consumers, while also preserving sufficient spectrum for new automotive safety innovations. This sensible compromise will bring faster Wi-Fi to American homes and businesses when they need it most. We look forward to continued work with the Commission as it considers enabling outdoor unlicensed 5.9 GHz devices in the future.” » Read More