Why don Wi-Fi systems require licensing?
Wi-Fi operates at 2.4GHz, the same radio frequency used in widely available cordless phones. This frequency range was set aside by the FCC, and was generally referred to as the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. A few years ago Apple and several other large corporations requested that the FCC allow the development of wireless networks within this frequency range. What we have today is a protocol and system that allows for unlicensed use of radios within a prescribed power level. The ISM band is populated by Industrial, Scientific and Medical devices that are all low power devices. Although the radio spectrum that Wi-Fi operates within is not licensed, Wi-Fi service providers must follow stringent FCC limitations on maximum permissible power for Wi-Fi equipment.
