As I understand it, the 63Ghz will be used only for point-to-point communication between lampposts, not looking for decaying underwear. It's ideal for high-density short-range cellular telecoms because of oxygen absorption.
As to the exclusivity of the deal, it appears that the Highways Agency was going down another route until it discovered that TIVIS had patented the technology involved in its plans - so unfortunately exclusivity is the only option.
Posted by Tom Foale at April 18, 2004 10:05 AMTheir website gives no indications that the millimetre wave stuff will not be deployed as omni directional high speed hot spots.
The plans seem to be not just for point to point, but for a self configuring mesh i.e. diagonally across streets or private property, in many cases.
The higher up a lamp post the equipment is installed, the more the things will sway in high winds, so maser or laser pin point accuracy would seem to be out of the question - the streets and neighbouring properties will be awash with the radiation.
If this system is deployed, there will be a massive increase in the radiation in the millimetre wave band, and this could be used to extend the snooping range or penetration through buildings of Passive Millimetre Wave Radar Cameras etc.