Thursday, November 21, 2013

LTE in Unlicensed Spectrum?

Qualcomm wants to enable use of Long Term Evolutiion in unlicensed radio spectrum used for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. That this can be done, in terms of technology, is probably not the biggest issue. 

The biggest issue is that virtually all blocks of allocated spectrum specify what purposes, and what air interfaces, can be used in those bands. 

Such multiple air interfaces approaches will necessarily require regulatory action.

To be sure, many have argued that innovation is promoted when regulators do not issue licenses with specific air interfaces or specific applications intended for use of that spectrum. How much chance Qualcomm might have in getting such regulations changed is the issue.

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