UK WiFi speeds set to increase as Ofcom pledges more 5GHz spectrum

According to Ofcom, about three in five adults accesses the internet using their mobile phones. Us in the UK could be soon enjoying faster WiFi as Ofcom looks forward to opening up more range. The present day 80MHz frequency allocation which has four channels assigned in the UK could get congested with other users even if it is considered to be the top of the line. It is deemed to be similar to the old 802.11g that had 13 channels, and only three of them didn’t overlap.

The broadband speeds are now hitting up to triple figures, making it harder for WiFi to deliver adequately unless you are in the midst of nowhere, and you probably wouldn’t have a fast broadband. This would mean no value for the money you used to pay for the service. Fortunately, Ofcom (whose principal role is to ensure that wireless microphones do not interfere with Radio 4) is working on plans to allocate some of the 5GHz wave band, currently used to ground transmissions from satellites, for home WiFi. A mere addition of 125 MHz would bring the UK on a par with other nations such as the US.

The Ofcom report clarified that they have a short-term focus on the 5725-5850MHz band since earlier results from the continuing technical studies suggests that it is possible to share with other users. Besides, it is an attainable goal through UK-only policy even without having to wait for the international developments such as the anticipated 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference. The report also points out that Ofcom has long term plans for spectrum at 5350-5470MHz as well as supporting outdoor networks range for the city events and hotspots at 5150-5350MHz.

The ability of your router to support these bands will depend on its configuration. Its’ hardware and software must be set to recognise you as a UK user, and if it’s not, then you will have to consider a firmware upgrade.

The Office of Communications has given the public up to the 22nd July to express their opinions on the proposals. But in the meantime, their technicians will be testing for any interference that the project could bring.