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T-Mobile Promises Big LTE Boost From 5GHz Wi-Fi Frequencies (arstechnica.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the unlicensed-spectrum dept.

"T-Mobile USA is ready to deploy a new LTE technology over the same 5GHz frequencies used by Wi-Fi following U.S. government approval of the first 'LTE-U' devices," reports Ars Technica. "The Federal Communications Commission today authorized the first LTE-U (LTE for unlicensed spectrum) devices after a controversial process designed to ensure that cellular network use of the 5GHz band won't interfere with Wi-Fi networks." From the report: LTE-U will help T-Mobile achieve its goal of offering gigabit LTE speeds, the carrier said. Verizon Wireless is also planning to use LTE-U. The company said in September that it is "eager to deploy" the technology and developed an equipment testing plan, but it's not clear when a Verizon deployment will happen. Cellular carriers in the US generally hold exclusive licenses to spectrum, while Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed frequencies. Anyone can operate in unlicensed spectrum without an FCC license as long as they use certified radio equipment and comply with power limits and other technical requirements. The plan to bring LTE to unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum set off an industry fight. LTE-U deployment plans drew opposition in 2015 from cable companies and the Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry group that certifies equipment to make sure it doesn't interfere with other Wi-Fi equipment. Industry groups worked together to develop a "Coexistence Test Plan" to prevent interference, and the Wi-Fi Alliance said it's satisfied with the result even though the new testing is voluntary rather than required by the FCC.

5 of 64 comments (clear)

  1. We need more unlicensed spectrum by hackwrench · · Score: 3, Interesting

    And we need agreements on protocols for it.

  2. They will game the system and destroy home wi-fi by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 3, Insightful
    Unorganized individual home wi-fi owners and users on one size. Mega telecom companies with deep pockets full of government lobbyists, money and politicians on the other side. Both allowed to use the home wi-fi spectrum. You don't have to be Einstein to see what is going to happen.

    There will be so much of interference with home wi-fi people will be forced to use mobile data. Or string cat-5 cables all over their homes to wired ethernet to every room.

    --
    sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
  3. Re:What is the real deal? by ASDFnz · · Score: 4, Informative

    Well.... Probably.

    The 5 GHz band is full of users but WiFi uses a small subset up towards the top and they have 'verified' that these bands will receive minimal interference.

    However, they are going to nuke the rest of the band with high power transmissions so the users of that bandwidth will have no choice but to move up and sit on the same channel as your WiFi.

    It is perfect for T-Moble though, when the interference starts they will be able to show that it isn't their gear that is interfering.

  4. Uh, then why was the analog TV spectrum sold off? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    How come they are using the WI-FI band instead of
    the old analog television frequencies they were supposed to use for this very purpose?!

  5. Re:They will game the system and destroy home wi-f by currently_awake · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This plan looks to have 2 huge benefits: 1-Wiping out Wifi competition. 2-Not having to pay for a spectrum license.