Wireless Providers make play for licensed spectrum
The Wireless Access Providers’ Association (WAPA) was established in 2006 as a non-profit IRB (industry representative body) acting as a collective voice for independent wireless operators in South Africa.
WAPA’s primary objective is to ensure the sustainability of the wireless access services market, and is now getting set to lobby the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to give it access to licensed spectrum to serve its members.
According to Patrick Le Roux, operations manager at WAPA, they are looking for licensed spectrum in the 5.9 GHz to 6.2 GHz range which will mean that their members can provide services without concerns about interference from other users.
WAPA members typically provide services using spectrum in the 2.4 GHz, 5.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ISM bands, but since this spectrum is license exempt and used widely by many players; interference can have an impact on the quality of service.
According to Le Roux WAPA will acquire and manage this spectrum, and then open it up to their members to apply for spectrum. Le Roux says this model is working well in countries like New Zealand, and the application and allocation of spectrum is done in a matter of minutes.
The 5.9 GHz to 6.2 GHz band is particularly suitable to current wireless providers as they will be able to use current Wi-Fi equipment, a far more affordable option in comparison with other technologies like WiMax and LTE, which is modified to function on the slightly higher frequency.
Wireless Providers make play for licensed spectrum << Comments and views
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