Japan Spectrum Draft Report
Frequency issues may be a gating factor in Japan, where WiMAX penetration depends on how the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) regulates the usage of the 2.5GHz band. In December 2005, the group offered recommendations for spectrum usage from 800MHz to 81GHz. The MIC study group chose the 2.5GHz band specifically for low-cost broadband mobile wireless services not provided by current mobile-phone networks. An advisory telecommunication council will issue a draft report in September, with a final report due in November.
The report listed 802.16e, 802.20 and next-generation Personal Handyphone System (PHS) as possible broadband mobile wireless-access systems that support continuous Internet Protocol connection. The ministry aims to have services deployed in 2008, a timetable that favors WiMAX. Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e) has substantial support in Japan. Continue>>