SMAG Position Paper on the Use of the 2.4GHz ISM Band

Background

In May 2000, SMAG commissioned a Study from Aegis Systems Ltd on the current and projected use of the 2.4GHz ISM band. Of particular concern to SMAG was the proposed use of the band for short range devices i.e. Bluetooth, an application that could result in very dense spectrum use, and the possible congestion that might then affect existing occupants of the band as well as giving short range devices a poor quality of service.

The Report identifies the major problem as the use of the band by three different types of outdoor system, the result being the likelihood of localised congestion.

The Aegis Systems Report was discussed at the recent SMAG meeting and SMAG now puts forward its recommendations to the Radiocommunications Agency.

RA is considering this Report, and will be discussing it with SMAG in due course. Once we have done that we will decide on a way forward, and will publish this here on the website.

Recommendations

1. Since broadcasters will in the near future have to replace much of their electronic news gathering and outside broadcast equipment that uses this band, the Agency should immediately make clear to these users that they should in future operate in other available bands. The Agency could usefully hold a consultation meeting with broadcasters to effect this transition in a well-managed way.

2. The Agency should discourage or disallow the use of outdoor radio fixed access and radio local area networks in this band. There is a danger that increased use of such links could act as a by-pass for legitimately licensed wireless communication networks. Moreover, licensing procedures for point-to-point links in such applications are already established.

3. The Agency should encourage the Ministry of Defence to vacate their sector of the band.

4. The Agency should find means to encourage the use of devices having adaptive r.f. power control in this band, thereby minimising the overall level of r.f. emissions.

5. The Agency should with urgency encourage the use of the 5GHz band for new wireless networking applications, putting in place a clear and streamlined licensing process, and assisting in the evolution of common technical standards.

Demand for use of the 2.4GHz ISM Band Final Report by Ægis Systems Limited (July 2000)