BFWA
Federal Network Agency provides frequencies for broadband network access
Kurth: "Another coverage gap can be closed"
Year of issue 2007
Date of issue 2007.08.30
On its web site and in its Official Gazette the Federal Network Agency has now published an Administrative Order providing additional frequencies in the range 5,755 MHz – 5,875 MHz for Broadband Fixed Wireless Access (BFWA). BFWA may be used, for example, for establishing Internet connections from a network node for other users. The frequencies are made available within the framework of a general assignment.
To ensure a sustainable and efficient frequency usage, the frequencies may only be used for the commercial offer of public network accesses and not for private or intra-company purposes. The providers are merely subject to a notification obligation under § 6 of the Telecommunications Act (TKG). Formal application and consent are not required. Hence no administrative fees need to be paid by the operators.
To date, market players have been unable to provide nationwide coverage with high-speed Internet access. Especially in rural areas, the population at large and industry, trade and commerce often still have no access to this forward-looking technology. "Hence the frequency band assigned will allow another gap in rapid network access to be closed", according to Matthias Kurt, President of the Federal Network Agency.
In view of its coverage ranges which are largely defined by the technical and operational usage requirements, the spectrum involved will probably be of greatest interest to those companies wishing to offer broadband network access such as high-speed Internet access primarily in smaller areas. Depending on local conditions, in favourable cases this could mean some streets or perhaps small settlements. The frequencies now made available thus enable existing offers, e.g. DSL and WIMAX, to be complemented in an expedient manner.
The Administrative Ordinance is available for downloading from the Federal Network Agency's web site with immediate effect.