High Capacity Short Haul Point to Point Linking in the 70-90 GHz band

Wireless technology consultation outcomes announced

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce has announced the outcomes of the consultation on the discussion paper, High Capacity Short Haul Point to Point Linking in the 70 to 90 GHz Band.

Wireless technology using the 70 to 90 GHz band may provide a cost-effective option to extend the fibre optical network in support of high-speed broadband networks, particularly in metropolitan areas.

Several manufacturers already supply equipment for this band, making the technology an increasingly attractive and practical option for network providers.

The band was identified as a candidate band for broadband wireless services by MED in July 2006, as part of the wider work broadband programme. In September 2008, a follow-up discussion paper was released which focused on the 70 to 90 GHz band. Submissions were received from three stakeholders, including one equipment supplier and two major network operators.

The submissions and subsequent discussions show that demand exists for access to the 70 to 90 GHz band. The consultation process resolved a number of issues around the appropriate choice of technical standards and operating parameters. Submitters expressed a preference for long-term interference protection over ease of access to the band. Interference protection using the standard administrative radio licensing regime rather than the more light-handed General User Licence approach is the preferred option.

MED proposes that changes are made to current licensing policies to permit licensing of fixed link point to point links in the 70 to 90 GHz band under the administrative licensing regime. It is envisaged that new policies will be put in place by mid 2009.