More Spectrum to Connected Devices!

by JE Cool of tech4today.net

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, a Republican said, "We need more spectrum to connect billions of new devices to the Internet."

WASHINGTON, OCT 23 (Reuters)- As FCC studies whether to tap another massive unused block as it elected unanimously on Tuesday to open extra spectrum to the growing number of connected devices.

Making 1200 MHz of Spectrum available for use by unlicensed devices including things like Wi-Fi routers, connected home appliances, baby monitors, fitness trackers, garage door openers and cordless landline phones, in 6GHz band or five times the ongoing spectrum available was proposed by the telecommunications regulator.


Between 2016 and 2021, it is expected that Wi-Fi  networks will carry about half the traffic, and the total U.S. internet traffic will leap up to 300 percent.

"Risk of radio frequency interference to utilities' mission-critical networks outweighs the potential benefits from unlicensed use of the band," said the Utilities Technology Council. Noting that electric, gas and water companies use the 6 GHz spectrum band for communications networks, a team representing major utility confirms raised concerns.

The FCC elected 3-1 to issue licenses by the counties rather than smaller census tracks. The FCC also voted to make changes in how it auctions licenses in the 3.5 GH band-a key spectrum needed to deploy next-generation 5G networks.

Whether they should tap the 5.9 GHz unlicensed spectrum band for wireless devices, is still a matter of debate continues by FCC. To keep away car collisions, the automakers want to use spectrum to allow cars to "talk" to one another.

While FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly, a Republican, stated, "the nation's spectrum into the hands of those who maximize its use for Americans." And added that the Spectrum can be used for large-scale deploymetns of 5G or mobile networks and not just small-scale, fixed networks, will be ensured in the new rules.

In the contrary, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenwercel,  a Democrat, argued that, the proposal makes it critical for smaller players to experiment, stating, "This is like being at the dawn of the Uber age and doubling down on taxi medallions," she said.


Results from the first stage experiment over whether 5.9 GHz Spectrum can be shared will be delivered soon, said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, on Tuesday.



Source: CNBC

Author: JE Cool
Contact Info: jecooltech4today@gmail.com