The Ministry of Communications has opened a hearing on WiMAX frequencies. The ministry wants to formulate a policy for allocating frequencies in the 2.4, 2.5, 3.5 and 3.7 Gigahertz bands.
The Ministry of Communications said a policy was needed because of technological developments in the provision of broadband wireless communications, including the use of WiMAX technology. The ministry added that the technology would make it possible to set up and operate wireless access systems for telephony, data communications and transmission services, which were expected to also enable mobile communications that would compete against existing cellular systems.
The Ministry of Communications said the number of applications for allocations of frequencies for wireless access systems from existing license holders and other commercial entities had been growing lately, in order to provide a range of fixed communications services.
The Ministry of Communications is therefore considering changing its policy for the allocation of 3.5 Gigahertz frequencies, and to formulate an allocation policy for other frequencies used in the operation of wireless access systems. The ministry of also considering adjusting its current policy for the commercial use of 2.4 megahertz band to allow current and new communications operators to set up wireless access systems operating on these frequencies and use them to provide fixed communication services, including telephony services.
Ministry of Communications director general Avi Balashnikov asked for a position paper on the subject to be submitted by February 28.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on February 1, 2006