The UK government is to deregulate part of the radio spectrum,
to encourage operators to offer new broadband services in public
venues such as hotels, airports, cafes and schools, through
wireless hotspots, points where wireless public access to the
internet will be available for a fee.
According to E-Commerce Minister Stephen Timms, the deregulation will allow commercial networks operators and other public and private users to set up wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) and offer broadband services, using part of the 5 GHz radio spectrum, without the need for a Wireless Telegraphy Act licence.
The changes will come into effect on 12th February 2003.
