FCC rule change could boost Clearwire's data rates
Operator wants to use 20MHz channels in its 2.5GHz spectrum, increasing throughput from current 5.5MHz configuration
Published: 24 May, 2011
READ MORE: Spectrum | US | Clearwire | Regulator | WiMAX
Clearwire's evaluation of its next generation options - WiMAX2 or TD-LTE - has been dragging on, and has been complicated by a likely network sharing deal with Sprint. One development that could open up new choices, and speed up its current connections, will be discussed at the FCC's next meeting on June 9, where it will consider a proposal to allow 2.5GHz operators to use wider channels.
Clearwire is the largest holder of spectrum in this band, and has over 100MHz in most markets, but it is currently constrained to 5.5MHz channel bandwidths. The FCC will consider whether to allow channels of 20MHz or more, which would be in line with recommended sizes for optimal performance of LTE (or WiMAX). Clearwire would then be able to deliver significantly faster data rates, whichever technology it was using.
The change would not happen overnight, even assuming FCC approval. The regulator would first need to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking and invite comment from the industry, and then equipment would need to be adapted and deployed to support the new channel sizes. However, Clearwire spokesperson Mike DiGioia said: "The rule change would be beneficial to companies like Clearwire who may adopt wider channelization plans in the future."
The Wireless Communications Association International (WCAI) trade group, which represents many WiMAX operators, brought the proposal to the FCC last year, calling on the agency to amend the rules governing out-of-band emission (OOBE) limits in 2.5GHz, to allow for wider channels. These limits were set when the band was used mainly for educational and one-way broadcasting services, and assumed the 5.5MHz channels that those services favored. The rules were not changed when the band was opened up for mobile broadband, even though WiMAX and LTE can both support configurations of 20MHz - and cannot achieve their peak data rates in narrower channels.
According to the WCAI, 20MHz channels for WiMAX or TD-LTE in 2.5GHz would deliver average throughput improvements of 20% to 25% compared to 10MHz WiMAX systems, and double peak throughput. The step up from 5.5MHz channels would be even more significant.
Clearwire has tested a TDD and FDD variants of LTE in Phoenix with its current flexible network suppliers Samsung and Huawei, and achieved about 90Mbps download speeds in 20MHz channels.
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