Globalstar's plan for an extra Wi-Fi band draws fire

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth backers say the proposal might hurt performance, but Globalstar says it won't

A satellite operator's proposal to offer an extra channel of Wi-Fi might actually give average Wi-Fi and Bluetooth users less bandwidth, according to some industry groups that have commented on the plan in filings to the FCC.

The plan by Globalstar, proposed to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in November, calls for opening up a restricted part of the Wi-Fi band for a fourth usable channel, called Channel 14. But Globalstar would control who could use that channel. It might offer access in a variety of ways, including its own Wi-Fi networks, carrier partnerships and device firmware downloads.

Wi-Fi: Channel 14 on the Way?

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Though it didn't ask the FCC to reject Globalstar's proposal, the Wi-Fi Alliance said it wants the agency to address several concerns as it studies the plan. For example, if new filters are needed to prevent interference with Globalstar's services, that could raise the cost of Wi-Fi products, the group said.

On Monday, Bluetooth's industry group also filed papers asking the FCC to take a close look at how the plan would affect its technology. Bluetooth devices are allowed to operate in part of the spectrum that Globalstar wants to use for its special Wi-Fi channel. The Bluetooth SIG is worried that Globalstar's plan will force Bluetooth devices to back off from those frequencies.

Meanwhile, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, a group of service providers that offer access over Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies, filed a comment with similar concerns to the Wi-Fi Alliance's.

Globalstar said on Monday that the Wi-Fi Alliance had misunderstood its proposal. Though Globalstar would be able to stop other service providers from introducing new services in the Channel 14 spectrum, it would coexist with uses already in the band, Globalstar's Ponder said. The plan would have no effect on any gear currently using that spectrum, and it wouldn't raise costs, he said.

"We're not aware of any updates or changes in any of the equipment currently operating on 1, 6 and 11 that would need to be done ... so that we can provide TLPS," Ponder said. Within the band itself, Bluetooth is the only wireless system Globalstar is aware of, and it could easily coexist with Globalstar's Wi-Fi channel without any changes, he said. Bluetooth has too short a range and too low a transmitting power to cause interference, he said.

Globalstar is due to file formal responses to the comments by Jan. 29.

Stephen Lawson covers mobile, storage and networking technologies for The IDG News Service. Follow Stephen on Twitter at @sdlawsonmedia. Stephen's e-mail address is stephen_lawson@idg.com

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.