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Does long-range IoT need better harmonised ISM frequencies?

In the last part of our series about IoT networks we consider whether they are being held back by patchy global harmonisation. The two key unlicensed bands used for IoT - 868 MHz and 915 MHz - are not globally adopted like 2.4 GHz, which spawned the growth of Wi-Fi. Does this matter? Opinions vary, as Catherine Viola explains. Research notes Does long-range IoT need better harmonised ISM frequencies? 1…

May 01, 2018 | Spectrum Research Service Blog

In the last part of our series about IoT networks we consider whether they are being held back by patchy global harmonisation. The two key unlicensed bands used for IoT – 868 MHz and 915 MHz – are not globally adopted like 2.4 GHz, which spawned the growth of Wi-Fi.

Does this matter? Opinions vary, as Catherine Viola explains.

Research notes

Does long-range IoT need better harmonised ISM frequencies?

1 May 2018 at 12:20

Unlike the 2.4 GHz ISM band, the most attractive unlicensed spectrum for low-power IoT networks just below 1 GHz is not globally harmonised. Is better harmonisation needed and how much can be achieved?

The role of satellite in extending terrestrial IOT networks

23 April 2018 at 11:20

In the second of our series of articles about IoT networks, we consider the benefits of adding a satellite component and the industry progress in achieving this. Low-power wide area networks (LPWANs) using technologies that are especially designed for the Internet of Things (IOT), such as Sigfox and LoRa, are being rapidly deployed worldwide.

Where’s the money for mobile operators in the IoT?

10 April 2018 at 11:29

Analysts expect mobile to dominate the market for IoT connections, but there is greater uncertainty about what this will mean for revenues. The key question seems to be, can operators provide more than just the pipe?

Auction tracker updates

Canada 600 MHz

USA 28 GHz

USA 24 GHz

El Salvador 1900 MHz and AWS-1 Auction

Denmark 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 2.3 GHz

News articles

FCC proposals may “ratify the balkanisation” of spectrum above 95 GHz

30 April 2018 at 14:02

The US regulator’s proposals to allow the commercial exploitation of millimetre wave radio frequencies above 95 GHz are flawed, according to one of its former policy chiefs. Space agency NASA says there is a need to protect frequencies that satellites and space missions depend on.

Thai operators still struggling to deal with hangover from 2015 auction

27 April 2018 at 12:28

Thai regulator NBTC may have backed away from supporting operators AIS and True Move’s appeal for relief from billions of dollars of auction payments, but the fallout from the controversial 2015 contest continues. Concerns have also been raised about the regulator’s design for a forthcoming 1800 MHz auction.

New EC competence remains question mark for future negotiations

26 April 2018 at 12:38

The European Commission (EC) has welcomed the verdict from Europe’s highest court that dictates which legal form the Council of the EU should follow to adopt a joint European position when dealing with international organisations like the International Telecommunications Union ().

FCC consults on 24 GHz and 28 GHz band auction

25 April 2018 at 13:23

US regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided at its monthly open meeting to consult on its plans to auction spectrum in the 24 GHz band this November alongside licences for the 28 GHz band in areas where the band has not yet been awarded.

ITU, EU to help African nations clear 700 MHz for 4G

24 April 2018 at 07:24

The multi-year European Union pan-African programme funds various projects, one of which seeks to create a more harmonised regulatory environment for the rollout of information and communication technology, with an emphasis on boosting the continent’s spectrum market.

Huawei doubtful of 5G despite its large investment

23 April 2018 at 12:52

Chinese manufacturer Huawei has condemned the global hype over 5G, claiming that average consumers would find no “fundamental and material differences between 4G and 5G”.