In a landmark announcement, the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) is set to expand the country’s wireless internet capacity with the introduction of licences for two new frequencies. The body has announced that it will begin the process of auctioning off licences to launch services on 26GHz and 40GHz frequency bands.
These frequencies, known as mmWave spectrum, are said to be key to unlocking the potential of mobile internet in both high-density city environments and rural parts of the UK, where broadband is yet to reach. It is likely to usher in the future of internet access in areas like the West Midlands, where there are both densely-populated settlements and more sparsely populated areas like Warwickshire.
With such a significant change in the national mobile internet infrastructure, this project has the potential to be the single most transformative in the 2020s so far. It is unlikely that there is any industry that will be untouched by its effects.
Mobile-First and Wireless Tech Now Dominant
In the 2020s, it’s safe to say that technology and how we use it are almost unrecognisable from even just ten years prior. Long gone are the days when the internet was a static medium. Instead, the majority of users are actually accessing the internet through mobile devices, foregoing the desktop computers and even laptops that dominated the early scene.
This is true for almost every aspect of internet consumption. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have developed mobile apps, allowing users to easily access their platforms. In the iGaming industry – commonly known as the online casino – players can access all the new slots in the UK on a mobile-first optimised site designed for use on smartphones.
Since we are no longer using the internet mostly at home, it is crucial that the infrastructure in the country is ready to handle the increased bandwidth. Additionally, with the new frequencies more suitable for use in high-density environments, they can help alleviate the issues associated with increasing urbanisation in internet connectivity and bandwidth.
An Increasingly Remote and Global Workforce
The early 2020s also saw a seismic shift in the workplace. The introduction of hybrid and remote working en masse meant that there was an entire generation that had never experienced office life as they entered the workforce. While there has been a natural trend back towards normality and a return to office work, a culture shift has also occurred, with many opting for remote working.
Any economy that relies on a remote workforce of any significance requires infrastructure that can support it. With the increasing cost of living in the UK’s major cities forcing many to look to leave for greener – and cheaper – pastures, a robust infrastructure could help encourage a new generation of first-time buyers who are able to work remotely and live elsewhere.
According to recent data on remote working in the UK, of employees with a degree or equivalent, only 27% are solely commuting, while around 60% are home-only or hybrid workers. That means a significant number of people across the country will be in need of the infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity. These new licences will certainly help.
Bringing an Entire Nation Together with Wireless
One of the most significant developments from this announcement is that Ofcom will open the 26GHz band early to those who want to avail of it through their shared access licensing regime. This will be particularly helpful in more rural parts of the country, where there’s a need for fixed wireless broadband while cables have yet to be laid.
Ultimately, that will be the true use case for this technology and where success will be defined. The UK is one of the most modern and well-connected countries in Europe; however, there are still blind spots in certain areas that can be addressed by the introduction of these new frequency bands. Those most rural, remote areas will no longer be left behind the urban settlements that race ahead.
As we continue to speed towards an entirely digital future – one in which universal connectivity is key to day-to-day living – these sorts of developments will continue to be welcome. What was once seen as a luxury has now become a necessity both for leisure and business, so Ofcom’s announcement is particularly welcome.
Source: https://leamingtonobserver.co.uk/lifestyle/ofcom-to-expand-mobile-internet-frequency-bands/
