Best of the ISP-Lists

Amateur Regulation

Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss an attempt by ham radio operators to clarify interference issues in the 2.40 GHz to 2.45 GHz spectrum. WISPs need to get involved now.

[August 28, 2001]

On the ISP-Wireless list in August, EH noted,

"The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) recently announced its Amateur Radio Interference Assessment Project, using amateur volunteers across the country to assess noise levels from unlicensed devices in bands above 400 MHz, with initial emphasis on the band 2400-2450 MHz, where Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b-protocol wireless LANs are gaining popularity."

A number of respondents suggested that this doesn't look good for WISPs:

[BM observed] "The ARRL's report states, 'The problem is where Internet access is the goal, and the system is deployed over a large area, competing with fiber, fixed broadband wireless, DSL, cable modems and satellites.' But how many amateur radio operators actively use 2.4 GHz spectrum? Why does a small group of people get to keep 600+ MHz of spectrum between 1GHz and 6 GHz? Because they have a lobbying effort: that's the only reason. Look at the amount of spectrum allotted to amateur radio and the amount of users occupying that spectrum: it's obvious that some of that spectrum should be surrendered for other technology."

[MW scoffed] "The problem is us! You know, the guys and gals that are not paying through the nose, bypassing the telcos, and (gasp) making a few bucks at it. Why, it just ain't fair! I've seen it before: set up some blue-ribbon, unaffiliated group to go out and study a problem, only to discover exactly what they wanted in the first place-then come up with the 'fix' that will force us all to start forking over tons of money or go under. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt."

[BS warned] "The major problem I can see is not from the WISP professional, but from the WLAN experimenters using the same frequencies. They're having a good time putting external antennas on bridges, making APs out of anything, bragging about how may people can use their Internet connection in the neighborhood. That's the real problem: it's easy for someone to have an interference issue on 2.4 GHz and blame the local WISP because he's advertising that he's using this spectrum, but how do you find the guy down the street who has his 'outlaw' WLAN going with a cheap amp wiping out the entire band?"

[JL asked] "What inspired this study? Why now? The worst thing that could happen to ham radio is if the FCC decides to 'revisit' the rules or interpret them in some bizarre way. Do you really want to debate the merits of ham radio against 2500 Bluetooth members, the microwave oven manufactories, the cordless phone makers, the 802.11b wireless LAN vendors, and a bunch of irate WISPs? The surest sign of success is pollution, and some of the ISM bands are certainly polluted. Ever hear of 'use it or lose it?' WISPs are using it."

EH advised concerned WISPs to get involved:

"I know that there are a number of ham operators who run WISPs, and as the ARRL opens up this study to ham operators, I suggest that the WISP industry can and should become directly involved. As the process of seeking applications comes in, I would recommend to ARRL that such WISP-associated hams be a part of the process, if they are able and willing to do the work. Just a thought."

JD suggested fighting back in another way:

"What about a WISP band? Has anyone considered lobbying for such a thing? WISPs could together share a spectrum, unlicensed, but with certification of some sort required by the FCC. Years from now, when there are millions of 2.4 GHz users, is the FCC going to change the rules and boot everyone off, making all of the R&D and hardware obsolete? Why is it that WISPs and ISPs aren't marked as the group that will provide communication in the event of a disaster? Which has the greater potential to save lives: WISP or ARRL? We are professionals. We do this for a living. We have a vested interest in world communications; amateurs come and go."

—End

 

Related article:
	[May 31, 2001]	Making the FCC Your Business
	[May 25, 2001]	Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA)