Call for input: Review of the use of fixed wireless links and spectrum implications

This document provides an update on our review of the use of fixed wireless links and spectrum implications. Our call for inputs (CFI), published in October 2023, presented information on recent trends in fixed links usage and sought views from stakeholders on future fixed links use and market / technology developments.

In general, the responses we received confirmed the trends we identified in our CFI and agreed that these trends were likely to continue. The key trends included:

• The overall number of fixed links are expected to continue to decline. This is mainly driven by a continued reduction in the number of links used by mobile network operators as they migrate more of their backhaul links to fibre networks.
• However, the overall amount of spectrum bandwidth used by fixed links (the total aggregate bandwidth) has increased and is likely to continue to increase. This is mainly driven by a demand for high capacity links in higher frequency bands (E-band, 71-76 / 81-86 GHz). 

Overall, taking account of trends in fixed links use, current technology and market developments and responses to the CFI, we consider that the currently available spectrum is broadly sufficient to meet future needs. 

However, in view of the continued growth in use of higher capacity, higher frequency fixed links, we will continue to monitor developments in this area, with a view to commencing a new work item, within the next couple of years, to further consider the potential authorisation of W-band (92-114.25 GHz).