Seizing the Potential of the 6 GHz Band for WISPs
Expanding into the 6 GHz band marks a significant opportunity for WISPs to enhance their service offerings and expand their customer base with top-tier connectivity. With a generous allocation of 850 MHz of spectrum for unlicensed outdoor use, WISPs can tap into this pristine spectrum to provide blazing-fast gigabit broadband speeds in environments largely free from interference.
However, realizing the full potential of the 6 GHz band hinges on a strategic approach. Achieving gigabit speeds in point-to-multipoint setups relies on securing a minimum of 160 MHz of spectrum per connection. This allocation is facilitated by the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system, which safeguards licensed incumbent operations from interference by monitoring and assigning available frequencies. Access points (AP) must regularly consult the AFC to operate exclusively on unoccupied channels, ensuring interference-free transmission. Notably, while the AFC monitors incumbents' channel usage, it does not track other unlicensed operators in the spectrum.
Despite the current cleanliness of the spectrum, the landscape is poised to evolve rapidly as network deployments proliferate. Interference will not only stem from within operators' own networks but also from competing fixed wireless providers in the same market, alongside a surge in WiFi 6E devices predicted to exceed 2 billion by 2025, as projected by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Consequently, interference and congestion in the 6 GHz band are anticipated to emerge as significant challenges sooner rather than later.
For service providers eyeing the 6 GHz band, selecting technology that optimizes channel availability and minimizes interference is paramount. WiFi-based fixed wireless products often fall short on both fronts, necessitating multiple 160 MHz channels for comprehensive coverage in single-operator locales and all available channels in competitive markets.
To gauge the real-world usability of the 6 GHz band, we collaborated with Comsearch to conduct AFC queries on tower locations listed in the FCC database. Integrating AFC data with household density metrics from the US Census Bureau and broadband competition data from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, we gained comprehensive insights into channel availability across various geographic areas and market competitiveness in the US.
The findings underscore the scarcity of 160 MHz channel availability in the 6 GHz spectrum. In rural areas, where the digital divide is most pronounced, only 30% of locations boast adequate 160 MHz channels to support up to two operators in the same market. The majority of locations face challenges such as insufficient channel availability, competing operators vying for limited channels, or a combination of both, resulting in suboptimal performance and heightened interference, hindering the delivery of competitive broadband speeds and placing operators at a significant disadvantage. This issue extends to suburban (48%) and urban (42%) locations as well.
It's evident that operators must meticulously select their 6 GHz network technology. While the newly available spectrum holds immense promise for unlocking gigabit broadband speeds, achieving its full potential demands deploying the right tools to maximize spectrum capacity and shield against interference, congestion, and competitive pressures that lie ahead.