USE OF ISM BAND FOR COMMERCIAL TELECOM SERVICES

The ISM Band is a series of narrow bands of frequencies allocated by ITU primarily for Industrial, Scientific and Medical applications.  They are intended to be used for scientific research e.g. radio wave propagation; for industrial equipment such as microwave oven and for medical equipment such as MRI etc.

This spectrum is normally license-free in order not to hinder its use for research purposes or industrial use such as microwave oven, remote control systems and a host of other uses.  It is unimaginable, for instance to expect all users of domestic microwave oven to obtain a license for every oven in their kitchen.

However, in recent years, the spectrum band has been deployed for commercial applications with respect to Wireless LANS, indoor cordless phones under very strict specifications in order not to undermine the primary purposes for which it was originally allocated.   While some countries actually licensed its use for restricted telecommunication services, while others reserved it for military use only.  Each country has adopted regulatory provision for its use depending on prevailing local conditions.  However, there are common technical conditions for its use as stated below:-

• Power Limitation           -           100mw-1000mw

• Coverage distance        -           200m or below

• Antenna Height             -           Limited

• Type of Modulation        -           Only spread spectrum is permitted

• Antenna Gain                -           Isotropic or limited gain

• Type approval of equipment

• Non-interference, non-protection and non-exclusive basis

Some users of ISM band in Nigeria have not kept to the technical conditions for its use.  The signals are boosted sometimes up to 30watts and above; they also use high gain antennas mounted on tall mast/towers in order to capture a large customer base over wide geographical areas.  Because access to the spectrum is perceived to be free, operators assume that they can mount antenna and beam signal into the air at will.  In fact, over half of the masts that litter the skyline of Lagos and our major cities are most likely to be from users of ISM band.  Also, the equipment used are never subjected to type approval process as required by law.

The consequence of these abuses and misuse of the band are very apparent, and these include:-

• Mutual interference among users

• High level congestion in the band

• Environmental degradation

• Poor quality of service to consumers and end users

The Commission has a responsibility to ensure that consumers of telecom services get value for their money through guaranteed quality of service.  Since service quality and reliability cannot be guaranteed, NCC had no option but to stop the abuse of the band.

However, in response to public consultations and meetings held between the Commission and representatives of stakeholders in the industry in respect to the use of ISM frequency band, the Nigerian Communications Commission will soon be publishing guidelines for the utilization of the ISM band for restricted commercial applications to which all users must comply with.

Licensed operators are to note that the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 requires that all operators providing telecommunication services in Nigeria must be licensed by the Commission and that all telecommunication equipment intended for use in Nigeria must be type approved and that the fact that a spectrum is license-free does not preclude the licensed operator from subjecting its equipment to type approval.  Also, since consumers are involved, consumer code will be published to which all operators providing service to the public must comply with.  ISP’s currently distributing services on a point to multipoint basis over long distances across the city  should know that it is currently  illegal to use ISM bands over such long distances in Nigeria.  The Commission is aware that some of the newly licensed FWA operators have started providing services employing their 3.5G spectrum to extend services to ISPs and cybercafes within their areas of operations.

Early in the New Year, the Commission also, intends to provide guidelines on the establishment of Wireless (Wi-Fi-) hotspots in accordance with international trends.  The intention of the Commission is to promote the growth of internet services, hence will soon begin to consider proposals for the setting up of  Wireless (Wi-Fi) Hotspots in busy areas where people gather such as Airports, hotels, railway stations, campuses, cybercafes etc but subject to subsisting licensing regulations.

Signed:
David Imoko
Head, Public Affairs