New Technology Could Benefit Small Business and Consumers

Dublin, Monday, 5^th August 2002

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dermot Ahern TD, today announced that his Department is to explore the use of new wireless technologies in delivering broadband access to the Internet.

The Minister is to establish pilot trials of wireless LAN (local area network) in a bid to broaden the means of accessing the information superhighway in Ireland.

Funding has been set aside for the pilot trials. To select successful trialists, the Minister has sought proposals from technology and communication companies who will receive monies to explore and demonstrate the potential for deploying the technology.

The aim of the trials are:

·         To demonstrate the feasibility of wireless broadband technology

·         To identify how and where it can be utilised and what constraints exists

Minister Ahern declared: “When most people talk about broadband – the cornerstone of accessing the Internet – they think of wires. But that does not have to be the only technology. Wireless technology has expanded and developed and there is no reason why wireless access to the Internet cannot be utilised in addition to a fibre optic or other cable systems. This could provide fast Internet access not only to large businesses but also to residential consumers, small office/ home office and small and medium business.”  

“The Internet is probably the most exciting developments in recent years. The use of new communications technology is as significant in terms of human development as the industrial revolution was in its day. New technology gives us wonderful opportunities and we should strive to find new ways of accessing and using the technological advances.”

“These trials should enable local industries, public services, educational institutions and the broader communities to obtain access to broadband networks. Some locations may be better served by wireless technology. The potential is great.”

“Last March the Government gave a commitment to exploring methods of accessing the Internet so that the widest possible usage can be made of it. This development fundamentally supports that Government pledge.”

The closing date for receipt of proposals is Friday, 30^th August. The pilot projects will run for 12 months.

ends

(Note on WLAN attached for information)

About WLAN

WLAN is a technology that was originally developed for in-house use, such as office local area networks.

Recently, both nationally and internationally, there has been increasing interest in the possibilities of using this technology for the provision of public broadband access.  One of the advantages of the technology is the relatively low cost of the consumer terminals thanks to economies of scale in production.

Another advantage is the service providers does not need a wireless telegraphy licence as it is using radio spectrum that is classified as “exempted spectrum” or “licence-exempted spectrum”. 

It is normal practice within spectrum management to specify parts –or bands- of the radio spectrum where it is not necessary to obtain an individual Wireless Telegraphy licence.  The main purpose for license-exempted spectrum is to cater for devices that may be deployed in large numbers, have a short range and typically a low power.