The Future of Connectivity
Wireless Innovation
Wireless spectrum has transformed our lives, delivering seamless internet connectivity that has redefined how we live, work, play, learn, and more. At the heart of this digital revolution is Wi-Fi – the hidden backbone of the internet that keeps us connected and powers our modern lifestyles.
Wi-Fi is the world’s most widely utilized wireless network, responsible for carrying the majority of internet traffic. As usage is soaring, it’s more important than ever to manage spectrum in ways that reflect how consumers access the internet today and into the future.
To keep pace with this demand, modern spectrum policy must focus on:
- Unleashing technology that brings people and devices closer together
- Expanding spectrum access so more users can participate
- Supporting innovations like Wi-Fi to unlock the full potential of high-speed broadband
Advancing these priorities will ensure high-speed broadband benefits everyone, bridging gaps and unlocking more opportunities.
How We Access Commercial Spectrum
Spectrum Access Models
Wireless communications signals travel over radiofrequency spectrum — or “airwaves.” How this spectrum is made available directly impacts competition and innovation.
- The FCC categorizes spectrum based on who uses it – users may be federal (e.g. the military) or non-federal (e.g. commercial providers) – and how it is used – by earth-bound commercial wireless systems, satellite, amateur radio, and so on.
- The FCC manages non-federal spectrum use to ensure it’s used in the public interest, prevent harmful interference among users, and ensure efficiency. Consumer electronics, ranging from laptops to smart watches to smart appliances, operate via commercial spectrum, which is made available for non-federal, i.e., commercial, use under several different frameworks: Exclusively Licensed, Unlicensed, Shared, or Licensed-by-Rule.
Exclusively Licensed
Rights to airwaves are granted to an individual company or user by the FCC, typically through auction, with no requirement that that user permit others to use the spectrum. This model results in fewer players with access to spectrum but with exclusive rights.
Unlicensed
Anyone is allowed to operate provided that their equipment conforms to certain technical rules. This model results in multiple players with access to spectrum and enables permission-less innovation.
Shared
Coexistence rules facilitate sharing among different kinds of commercial users or commercial/ government users in the same band. This model enables multiple commercial users while protecting national security interests.
Licensed-by-rule
Class of users permitted to operate without the burden of obtaining an individual license resulting in more users and use cases.