Wireless broadband extends coverage
Communications regulator, ComReg said yesterday existing wireless broadband providers can now increase their service area to 20km.
Previously providers were only submitted to send a signal for 10km or 15km in each fixed wireless area frequency band.
A ComReg spokesman said: “By extending the service areas to 20km, many more people, particularly in rural areas, will get access.”
ComReg first launched its wireless broadband scheme in November 2003 and since then has issued over 214 FWALA (fixed wireless access local area) licences to 15 companies operating throughout the country.
It estimates that there are over 80,000 wireless broadband subscribers throughout Ireland.
All FWALA licensees will be permitted to implement these changes immediately but will still be obliged to comply with the existing field strength contours to ensure there is no interference to adjacent licensees, according to ComReg who is also seeking views of interested parties on its proposal for Geographical Service Areas.
ComReg said that the introduction of a geographical service area into the FWALA licensing scheme will allow FWALA licensees to provide services in areas that previously were considered ‘dead zones’.
Over time, this could result in a greater availability of wireless broadband services throughout Ireland.
A geographical service area (GSA) is an area where a licensee is allowed to deploy fixed wireless apparatus (FWA) apparatus and provide FWALA services under defined operating conditions.
The consultation period will run from May 15 until June 22 during which the commission will welcome written comments on any of the issues raised in the paper.
