5.8 GHz Registration

In Ireland, from July 2002, wideband data transmission systems for the provision of fixed wireless access networks/metropolitan area networks (FWA/MAN) in the 5.8GHz (5725 – 5875MHz) band have been permitted up to a maximum radiated power of 2W eirp on a licence exempt basis. This national decision was made following a public consultation on the subject of fixed wireless access (documents 02/19 & 02/49). FWA consists of the provision of telecommunications services to the public by means of radio access from a base station to one or more subscriber terminals. A MAN normally consists of a network established for private use, connecting a number of related entities by means of radio. The 5.8GHz band should not be considered an alternative to licensed point-to-point bands for the provision of public network infrastructure links.

Operation in the 5.8GHz band is subject to meeting the following conditions:

Operating Frequency Band: 5725 – 5875MHz;
Maximum permitted radiated power: 100mW/MHz eirp (to a maximum of 2W eirp);
Registration of operational base stations.

The purpose of the registration process is to facilitate management of the band in the event of changes being necessitated by European standards or regulatory developments and to afford users in the band, adequate notice of any anticipated changes. Operators should also note ComReg’s intention to establish a User’s group for the 5.8GHz band to facilitate exchanges of information relating to operational and sharing issues. Please indicate in the registration form below if you would be interested in joining a User’s group and/or be kept informed of issues within the group.

Operators should note that, in common with all other licence exempt services, 5.8 GHz FWA/MAN systems, despite registration, will not be entitled to any protection from interference from any other licensed or licence exempt service. In particular, operators should note the presence of road transport and traffic telematic (RTTT) systems in the 5795 - 5805 MHz band and the presence of other short range devices such as motion sensors throughout the band. It is the responsibility of the operator to minimise the potential for interference to and from neighbouring systems and adequate measures should be taken to avoid interference in all cases. In addition, operators should note that while operation in the 5.8GHz band is on a licence exempt basis under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926, provision of telecommunications services to the public requires the operator to hold a General Authorisation issued by Comreg.

The link below leads to a form containing the required registration details for a 5.8GHz base station. This form should be completed and submitted to ComReg for inclusion in our database of stations operating in the 5.8GHz band. Please select whether you wish to register an FWA base station or MAN at the end of the ‘Operator Contact Details’ section of the form.

The 5.8 Ghz Registration form is also available as a ComReg publication, document number 03/42.