Cable Operators Asks FCC To Open 5 GHz Band For Next-Gen Wi-Fi Services

Cable operators are asking the FCC to open up more spectrum in the 5 GHz band to meet demand from subscribers for next-generation Wi-Fi services, the American Cable Association said in a filing at the commission on Thursday.

"Unlicensed Wi-Fi use of spectrum has burgeoned over the past decade, becoming an essential element to providing ubiquitous high-speed broadband service," ACA CEO Matt Polka said in a prepared statement. "Accordingly, to ensure this fundamental technology can meet exploding consumer demand, it is imperative that the FCC allocate sufficient unlicensed spectrum and establish rules that facilitate connectivity."

Most broadband Internet subscribers have routers that can transmit Wi-Fi signals in the 2.4 GHz band. But some cable MSOs are beginning to install Wi-Fi routers and gateways that can also transmit 5 GHz signals.

According to the ACA, operators will be able to deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps by using the 5 GHz band.