Dimension Data’s Internet Solutions has been granted access to a chunk of radio frequency spectrum in the 28GHz band, which it says will allow it to offer high-speed wireless point-to-multipoint services.

The company says the spectrum is a suitable interim alternative to spectrum in the contested 2,6GHz and 3,5GHz bands, which the Independent Communications Authority of SA must still licence.

The 28GHz band is traditionally used by telecommunications operator for cellular backhaul rather than for providing access directly to end users.

The solution requires a 30cm microwave antenna attached to an indoor unit, an Ethernet interface and a router or switch. Internet Solutions says the product, which it’s calling IS Wi-Band, is capable of transmitting data volumes of between 64kbit/s and 20Mbit/s.

Although the company has offered point-to-point wireless products in the past, it has used unlicensed radio frequency spectrum, which it says is subject to interference. It says it conducted trials in Johannesburg and Cape Town using the 28GHz band to prove its effectiveness.