18 may 2006
"Wi-Fi" in Kyrgyzstan is no more be subject to licensing! The decision to abolish licensing for “Wi-Fi” operation was made in April 2006 by the National commission on radiofrequencies as the result of more than a year of efforts and intensive work of Public foundation “CIIP”–KG with the National Communications Agency to foster this abolishment of licensing for “Wi-Fi”. Now the “Wi-Fi” operation is allowed, but only without using remote antennas. To secure permission for “Wi-Fi” application using remote antennas – is one of the following challenges and task for PF “CIIP”.

Details:

On the 6^th  April 2006,  National commission on radiofrequencies of the Kyrgyz Republic adopted resolution  to allocate the band 2,404 – 2,4835 GHz for wireless “Wi-Fi” systems operation in the Kyrgyz Republic without be subject to licensing. This fact, undoubtedly, is a progress towards deployment in Kyrgyzstan of modern technologies for wireless access to the Internet. 

However, to speak of overall abolishment of the “Wi-Fi” licensing in KG is, virtually, too early.

 It gives concern that the resolution enables   deployment of the “Wi-Fi” equipment without requiring permissive documents only on conditions that remote antennas are not used. This, undoubtedly, presents deterrent on the way to wide deployment of this technology over the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

Too, the resolution only partly abolishes procedure of licensing for “Wi-Fi” application, as far as requirement to obtain a certain type of permission retains for the territory of Bishkek (the capital) and its suburbs.

 

At the same time, as early as in 2003, International Telecommunication Union made available the 5 GHz band for license-exempt technology deployment alongside with 2,4 GHz. Too, European Commission recommended to encourage member states to allocate 2,4  GHz and 5 GHz  bands for license-exempt usage. This recommendation is important because it opens the way for using license-exempt spectrum for commercial purposes, creating large opportunities for telecom service providers.

 

In view of the aforesaid, we must admit, though the important step towards abolishing “Wi-Fi” licensing is already made in Kyrgyzstan, great amount of work lies ahead to improve license-exempt “Wi-Fi” application in the country.