High Speed Linking in the 70-90 GHz band

MED has released a consultation paper seeking views on future regulatory arrangements for high-capacity, short-haul, point-to-point linking in the 70-90 GHz band. These links are suitable for supporting high speed data rates of up to 1 Gbit/s.

At these frequencies, relatively small antennas (about 30 cm) provide high gain and very narrow beam-widths (less than 1.2º). There is thus an opportunity to re-use frequencies many times within a given area.

Because of the relatively high degree of frequency of re-use, most spectrum management authorities overseas that have already provided access to this band have opted for ”light handed” licensing arrangements placing responsibility for path planning and interference resolution on the licensee.

In New Zealand it is expected that access to this band would provide for a range of short-haul, point-to-point links that would complement development of the optical fibre network.

This paper examines the regulatory regimes in place in other countries and outlines three options for the licensing of high-capacity, short haul, point-to-point links in New Zealand.

The discussion paper and submission details are available on theMED website. Written submissions are invited by 4pm on 1 October 2008.