Wireless broadband

Development of Wireless Broadband in the United States

On 

November 14, 2007

 the Commission released Public Notice DA 07-

4605 in which the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the 

start date for licensing and registration process for the 

3650–3700 MHz

 

band. In 2010 the FCC adopted the 

TV White Space Rules (TVWS)

 and 

allowed some of the better no line of sight frequency 

(700 MHz)

 into the 

FCC Part-15 Rules. The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, 

a national association of WISPs, petitioned the FCC and won. 

Initially, WISPs were only found in rural areas not covered by cable or 

DSL. These early WISPs would employ a high-capacity

 T-carrier

, such as 

a 

T1

 or 

DS3

 connection, and then broadcast the signal from a high 

elevation, such as at the top of a 

water tower

. To receive this type of 

Internet connection, consumers mount a small dish to the roof of their 

home or office and point it to the transmitter. 

Line of sight

 is usually 

necessary for WISPs operating in the 

2.4 and 5 GHz

 bands with 

900 MHz

 

offering better 

NLOS (non-line-of-sight)

 performance.

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