Ofcom Report: ‘More radio spectrum for the Internet of Things’

UK Telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, have declared support for an increase in radio spectrum for the Internet of Things, according to a consultation document, published yesterday.
The document states that ‘the use of Very High Frequency (VHF) spectrum by the Internet of Things (IoT) community could deliver valuable new services for the benefit UK consumers and businesses’. Ofcom are now encouraging IoT investment and innovation in particular at 55-68 MHz, 70.5-71.5 MHz and 80.0-81.5 MHz. These frequencies could be used by Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications to enable wireless operation over long distances.
According to the regulator, these VHF bands could be especially valuable for a number of different verticals including: agriculture, smart farming and an array of coastal and maritime industries.
Ofcom is now inviting stakeholders to comment on their proposal to change the existing Business Radio licence to accommodate the IoT, and the possible use of these bands – submissions are due by 12th November 2015.
Over the last few months, there have been a wide range of reports that have concluded that the IoT offers huge social and economic benefits and should be supported by policymakers and regulators. Ofcom’s report will be warmly received by UK-based operators who will largely be responsible for providing connectivity for many M2M services and solutions.