Spectrum is a key enabler of communications. We have helped clients to look at what spectrum could do for their businesses in terms of opening new markets and expanding the range and value of services they can offer. We have helped clients to:

• Identify which spectrum opportunities are relevant for their business
• Identify the processes and regulatory issues associated with acquiring spectrum

Wireless broadband and mobile entertainment have both appeared with strong demand for spectrum and we have considered the relative demands of these applications alongside other possible candidates.

Background

Rapid development over the last decade has enabled an emerging family of wireless communication technologies to bring important benefits to businesses and consumers around the world. Some of their potential has been demonstrated, but the full wireless ‘dividend’ is yet to come. Among the benefits are:

• Flexibility and convenience
• Innovation speed

The flexibility and convenience benefits are already clear to users of WiFi-equipped laptops and Bluetooth phones, although businesses and consumers take time to assimilate and understand how best to apply these. In an era of increasing competition, it is vital for businesses and individuals to be able to adapt to meet commercial and personal demands. Innovative device and service providers have an opportunity to lead consumer thinking by painting an attractive picture of the new benefits they bring.

Wireless broadband access

Consumers and businesses are coming to depend on Internet access as a critical tool for communications and commerce. Most access is via fixed platforms such as DSL and Cable TV. For access within homes and offices, these platforms generally offer much better performance and lower pricing than mobile network providers can offer. Intense competition in the fixed broadband market has helped to ensure good value.

But how does this sit with users wanting greater mobility? Within the home or office, wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies (especially WiFi) have extended the reach of the fixed platforms, allowing users to have greater freedom and encouraging them to make greater use of the service. The rising popularity of laptops over desktops has supported a high level of demand for wireless access. Laptop manufacturers and their silicon suppliers are facilitating the move to wireless by integrating the technology into substantial numbers of new laptops. Intel has been particularly active in supporting wireless access technologies – particularly WiFi and more recently a wide-area wireless technology known as WiMAX.