The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a Proposed Order of Rulemaking that will eventually lead to the availability of more unlicensed spectrum in the 5GHz band. Specifically, the FCC will make a 195MHz swath of spectrum available near the 555GHz band to help alleviate congested Wi-Fi networks.
The FCC wants more wireless capacity to be available at large hubs, such as airports, convention centers, and other areas where large numbers of people gather. The FCC also said it would make it easier for manufacturers to build and certify equipment for use in this widened spectrum band.
The decision highlights the FCC’s efforts to free up spectrum for mobile broadband use. FCC chairman Julius Genachowski had first proposed opening up this spectrum in January.
