Unleashing Digital Magic

Building a spectrum pipeline to enable next generation technology

Research and entrepreneurship are key ingredients to transform innovations into reality. We enjoy the fruits of these labors in everyday life. Yet a much needed (and often forgotten) secret sauce that makes this digital magic happen, are spectrum radio waves. 

Without these invisible radio waves, wireless devices would simply be unable to connect to the Internet, hindering applications such as telemedicine, distance learning or autonomous vehicles. In order for entrepreneurs and engineers to utilize this valuable resource, the Federal Communications Commission charged with authority of spectrum for non-Federal (or “commercial”) use must make it more available through regulatory proceedings. 

After several years of furious efforts to improve spectrum availability, most notably with the 5G FAST Plan, as of late there has been a dearth of activity. Commissioners on both sides of the aisle should change that and instead look at every avenue to expand access to spectrum radio waves for usage. 

While the FCC is charged with governance of spectrum, Congress also has an interest in pushing out more spectrum. This was recently highlighted by the bipartisan Spectrum Innovations Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) reinforcing the broad consensus of support to free up new spectrum airwaves currently allocated for the FCC, for utilization by the public. Doing so would enable the public to access faster, more resilient broadband networks.

If the FCC doesn’t take action to grant final approval for commercial spectrum, continued innovations will come to a stand still. New inventions would remain merely concepts in the minds of aspiring innovators, instead of being launched into consumer markets. Perhaps the most infamous example of government inaction crippling innovation is the cellphone, which was conceptually developed in the days following WWII. It would be decades until this world-changing innovation finally came to market in the 1980’s because the FCC literally blocked and delayed its use. 

As researchers and entrepreneurs work to transform new and faroff technologies into realities, it is essential the federal government doesn’t act as a barrier by sitting on valuable resources that could be leveraged for next generation innovations. The promise held by augmented reality, the metaverse, and precision agriculture can only be fulfilled if more spectrum can be tapped into and utilized.

It is not enough for the FCC to finally begin proceedings, however, it must ensure flexibility of use for innovations that utilize both licensed and unlicensed technologies. Their main differentiator being ‘licensed’ bands are only allowed to be used by the entity that licensed them, whereas ‘unlicensed’ bands such as bluetooth can be accessed publicly by anyone who wants to use them. Both technologies are essential toward establishing a holistic spectrum strategy that unleashes a number of different uses.

Concerns around spectrum interference must also be considered. The FCC must ensure users of these radio waves are not bleeding over and creating static or blurring frequencies. The agency’s engineers and commissioners must sift through studies and data to differentiate  between real interference concerns based on scientific testing, and unreasonable or hyperbolic claims. 

An example of the latter happened in 2019 when a number of headlines predicted a relatively obscure FCC proceeding on the 24GHz band would hinder weather predictions and “reduce the accuracy of weather forecasts by 30%, sending us back in time to the 1980s.” Yet, as then FCC Chairman Ajit Pai correctly rebutted, “Over the last two and a half years we’ve patiently waited for a validated study to suggest that our proposed limit is inappropriate. We’ve never gotten such a validated study.” Eventually these alarmist concerns were found to be baseless and the proceeding went through. Three years later meteorologists aren’t blaming the proceeding on their poor predictions, that’s still on them. 

This episode speaks to how unsubstantiated fears around interference can lead to hyperbolic claims and stifle innovation. It is imperative for agencies like the FCC and elected officials to sift through the myths from facts. Not allowing baseless fears or predictions to govern discourse, especially as these devices and uses become more central to our daily lives.

Developing a spectrum pipeline does take time and effort from the agency which is all the more reason to start now. The sooner the promise of the Spectrum Innovations Act becomes a reality, and these radio waves are finally made available, the faster consumers will be able to experience the benefits in their lives. It also means communities can close the digital divide, further capitalizing on economic opportunities to research, create, and build.