WISPs Get FCC Nod to Use 5.9 GHz Spectrum During Pandemic

The FCC approved special temporary authority for 33 wireless ISPs in 29 states to use the lower 45 MHz of the 5.9 GHz band for 60 days during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each WISP must evaluate other operations in the band, including current uses for road safety, and not cause interference, the FCC said Friday. When the grant expires, each must cease operations in the band and “retune equipment to operate in compliance with the Commission's equipment certifications,” the agency said. “The pandemic’s shut-in orders have really increased demand on this nation’s networks,” said WISP Association President Claude Aiken: WISPs are seeing a 35% increase in traffic in peak hour use and 90% are getting customer requests to add more speed to individual plans.