Submission in progress on Irish radio spectrum

February 9th, 2005 | by aobaoill |

I’ve been doing work on the ComReg submission I mentioned in a recent post. I’ve narrowed down the topics to be covered to:

  • measuring the social and economic value of use of the radio spectrum, specifically broadcasting
  • Demand for DAB
  • Unlicensed spectrum, technology, and broadband internet
  • The strange ‘wireless public address’ systems they’re suggesting for church and community use. (I find this significant in the context of their other plans to essentially marginalise community radio).

I’ve finished drafts of the value and DAB sections, but am still working on the WiFi and PA sections. The questions on WiFi are interesting:

  • Q. 18. Do you have a view on the balance between licensed and licensed exempt spectrum that will best facilitate wireless broadband?
  • Q. 19. How can wireless broadband applications and technologies best facilitate the rollout of broadband access in Ireland?

I’m planning to suggest that unlicensed space be increased, and that non-commercial wifi offerings be supported in spectrum policy. In technology I’ll mention the CUWiN system and the need for guidelines that promote responsible usage – such as base stations not blocking other networks, sensible signalling policy etc. I’d appreciate any advice anyone had on extra topics to raise in this section.

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