Communications Ministry to ease WiFi frequency regulations

The ministry wants to make it easier to obtain permits for setting up wireless fidelity (WiFi) terminals.

6 September 04 13:15, Guy Hadass

The Ministry of Communications today announced that it intends to expand the frequency band allocated for civilian use, and which is exempt from licensing, to make it easier for individuals to set up wireless fidelity (WiFi) terminals. The Ministry also intends to ease import restrictions on portable computers with wireless capability. The Ministry says that it is presently making a concerted effort to prepare WiFi-related rules and regulations for approval by Minister of Communications Ehud Olmert.

The new regulations will not require permits for 100 megahertz (MHz) of the 5 gigahertz (GHz) band. In addition, the Ministry continues to work towards opening additional frequencies within the 5 GHz range. This will come in addition to the 2.4 GHz range that was opened for public use a year ago, and has been used primarily for wireless handsets, and wireless broadband communications computer networks. These networks are mainly found in private homes, supporting wireless fast Internet, as well as WiFi hot-spots in public venues such as Internet cafes.

The Ministry of Communications said that the trend towards a designated frequency band for free public use, without the need for a permit, has become part of the Ministry's deregulation policy whenever possible, particularly in the case of new technologies that allow the communications market to be further opened to competition.

Terms of use, and equipment standards will be based on those accepted in Europe and the US, allowing for adaptation to Israeli conditions.

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on Monday, September 06, 2004