Poland's UKE Hosts International Conference on FWA Spectrum

Key Takeaways

• Conference held April 15‑16 in Warsaw, hosted by Poland’s regulator UKE
• Focused on harmonising 29.7‑43.5 GHz spectrum for fixed wireless access
• Addressed 5G interference risks in 4, 6, 26 and 40 GHz bands
• Aims to align ITU’s Harmonised Calculation Method across Europe
• Outcomes will guide national spectrum allocations for next‑gen broadband

Pulse Analysis

The surge in demand for ultra‑fast connectivity has pushed operators toward fixed wireless access (FWA) as a cost‑effective alternative to fiber, especially in dense urban and hard‑to‑reach rural zones. The 29.7‑43.5 GHz millimetre‑wave range offers the bandwidth needed for multi‑gigabit links, but its propagation characteristics demand precise coordination to avoid signal clashes. By gathering experts from multiple jurisdictions, the Warsaw conference provided a forum to reconcile technical standards and share best practices for deploying FWA at scale.

A central focus of the two‑day gathering was the ITU’s Harmonised Calculation Method, a framework that standardises how countries assess spectrum usage and interference potential. Participants scrutinised how 5G networks, which increasingly occupy adjacent bands, could disrupt existing services at 4 GHz, 6 GHz, 26 GHz and 40 GHz. The dialogue highlighted the necessity of joint studies, shared measurement data, and mutually agreed protection criteria, ensuring that new 5G roll‑outs complement rather than compromise legacy systems.

The outcomes of the conference are poised to shape national spectrum policies throughout Europe. Clear, harmonised guidelines will accelerate licensing processes, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and attract investment in next‑generation broadband infrastructure. For telecom operators, this translates into faster market entry for high‑capacity FWA solutions, while consumers stand to benefit from broader, more reliable high‑speed internet access. The coordinated approach also mitigates the risk of costly retrofits or service disruptions, reinforcing the region’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.