Ratified by the IEEE 802.11ah task group in 2016 and endorsed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, Wi-Fi HaLow is paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and safer wireless future.
Like all new technologies however, the understanding, implementation, and governance of Wi-Fi HaLow can be challenging as it varies across the globe.
In this blog, we will begin mapping Wi-Fi HaLow availability across the world, exploring spectrum variation in key markets.
Standards and spectrum plans across the globe
In many countries, radio frequency devices are required to adhere to behavioral standards and conform to testing protocols similar to or the same as those developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and/or the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- In the Americas, while many countries support 902-928 MHz, others support a portion of this band such as 915-928 MHz. Most countries have similar requirements to the FCC rules and regulations.
- In Europe and Africa, there is one major document recommending spectrum allocations for short-range devices (SRDs) in over 40 countries – the CEPT Recommendation 70-03. It recommends two bands – 863-868 MHz and 915.8-919.4 MHz – for Wi-Fi HaLow devices. It is also intended to be used as a reference document by CEPT member countries when preparing their own national regulations in order to keep in line with the provisions of the R&TTE Directive.
- Across the Asia Pacific, countries may follow testing requirements and spectrum allocations similar to, or the same as, ETSI or FCC as discussed above. There is still tremendous variation across the region but as regulators begin to realize the benefits of the sub-1 GHz band to IoT there is reason to hope for more spectrum harmonization.
Where does that leave us?
Global support for Wi-Fi HaLow continues to grow, as organizations, individuals and governments recognize the benefits of this next-generation connectivity protocol.
This is a good thing for those currently exploring the potential of Wi-Fi HaLow. Firstly, as the IoT market develops in the sub-1 GHz band, more spectrum is becoming available across the globe. This means a growing market for Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled devices. Additionally, many countries have already identified and allocated spectrum for Wi-Fi HaLow. Not only is this another example of the growing excitement and momentum for this technology but it signals a shifting tide and immediate readiness for Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled devices.
In a similar vein, regulatory bodies worldwide are preparing for Wi-Fi HaLow’s widespread adoption. While each country may have specific regulations in which Wi-Fi HaLow must operate, most regulations are based on either FCC or ETSI requirements, with different parameters such as transmit power. This provides a solid foundation for Wi-Fi HaLow development and implementation across key IoT markets such as the United States, Europe and much of Asia.
We have no doubt that these regulations will continue to evolve, and Morse Micro will continue to provide documentation and support on how to meet such requirements.
Want to know more? Download our full global spectrum report here, covering:
- Europe and Africa (incl Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and more)
- Americas (incl United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and more)
- Asia Pacific (incl. Australia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and more)
