Unlicensed Bands Beginning to Boom - Fixed Wireless...
06/29/01
While many have already begun throwing dirt in the grave of fixed wireless, the sector is actually doing well in the unlicensed band, according to a new report from Allied Business Intelligence Inc. (ABI, Oyster Bay, N.Y.).
Unlicensed operators are currently spearheading the deployment of fixed wireless broadband, and subscriber uptake will approach seven million by year-end 2006, according to ABI’s report.
While the financial markets and general media seem focused on the disappointments of broadband wireless access (BWA), the success stories of the unlicensed sector are completely overlooked, notes Andy Fuertes, vice president of communication electronics research at ABI. Aggressive entrepreneurs, CLECs and ISPs are not just rolling out systems, but also showing profits on their reasonable initial investments.
“Unlicensed has become the entrepreneur’s tool of choice for establishing a broadband presence in the local loop. However, it is being overlooked because many of these installations are by carriers that choose to attract little attention to themselves,” said Fuertes, the report’s author.
Fuertes says that unlicensed is moving faster than other fixed wireless because unlicensed systems reduce the barrier to entry in the market. No license fees are required from telecom regulators and inexpensive equipment is available. These operators are interested in seizing an opportunity to make profits quickly. Fixed wireless broadband in unlicensed bands allows them to do so, often within 12 months from their initial rollout.
While many of the operators that deploy fixed wireless are small, there are a large number doing so, he notes. The efforts of many are adding up to a market that is just now raising eyebrows. Most existing systems have been rolled out in the 2.4 GHz band, but greater acceptance is occurring at the 900 MHz and, particularly, the 5 GHz to 6 GHz bands. Commercial and residential customers are being served by these systems.
The ABI report analyzes the market for fixed wireless equipment and services that operate in the unlicensed 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands. Leading issues, developments in technology and market dynamics are examined. The study quantifies the value and volume of equipment services and presents the key points of leading vendors. Competing technologies are examined, along with the issue of interference and overall trends in the Internet market.
-- Charles F. Mason
shorecliffcommunications.com |
