Time To Share the Road: Building A Spectrum Policy for All
Federal policymakers at NTIA are poised to release a plan to implement the National Spectrum Strategy to open certain spectrum bands for commercial use while balancing national security and other important federal operations. The task before NTIA is challenging, but certain things are clear: innovative uses of spectrum have unlocked new opportunities for consumers and are disrupting the wireless marketplace. Cable providers are part of that new ecosystem of innovation and competition. Building on widely deployed next-generation broadband networks, cable providers are increasingly delivering
Saving Millions Monthly: How Consumers Are Benefitting From New Competition for Wireless Mobile Services
Consumer appetite for connectivity is continually growing. With more devices and ways to connect, new solutions are required to get people and their devices online. That is why in recent years, cable broadband providers have expanded their offerings to include mobile service, giving Americans more choices for their cell providers than ever before and saving them millions monthly when switching from higher-priced plans offered by traditional phone companies. How it works: Cable providers use a combination of technologies to transmit mobile data utilizing both licensed and unlicensed spectrum
Cox Connects the Big Game
This weekend, hundreds of thousands of visitors will descend upon Las Vegas for the big game. To support this massive influx of people for what usually is the most-watched television event of the year, Cox Communications is providing free access to its extensive virtual Wi-Fi hotspot network in the Las Vegas metro area from February 1 through February 12, as well as powering the connections within Allegiant Stadium. The free connectivity will facilitate the flurry of communications sure to take place this weekend, with everybody from celebrities to out-of-town game-goers to stadium workers
CSMAC Report Demonstrates Success of Sharing Techniques for Future Spectrum Allocation
The Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC) recently presented its spectrum framework recommendations to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with the goal of helping to shape the future of spectrum allocation and sharing techniques. The report's findings underscore CBRS's success as a model for effective spectrum sharing and notably point out areas for continual improvement. The committee's analysis found CBRS to have a positive impact for cable operators as well as various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and education. CBRS was
Wi-Fi 7 Explained
With the annual CES show taking place in Las Vegas this week, one highly anticipated technology will be on display across a multitude of devices. Under development now, Wi-Fi 7 will improve upon the updates that came with Wi-Fi 6E as well as incorporate new developments since the last certifications. These updates will facilitate the next great tech advancements, ranging from virtual reality to wireless gaming to interactive telemedicine. While Wi-Fi 7 certification has yet to begin, the standard has taken off, with many manufacturers moving ahead with the production of the chipsets needed to
New Study Shows Shared-Spectrum Benefits Government, Taxpayers, and Business
As regulators look to address the growing demand for spectrum on crowded airwaves, a new analysis from The Brattle Group shows a shared-use spectrum model (like the CBRS model) delivers more economic value than exclusive licensing, while allowing incumbent users like the Department of Defense to continue national security operations. The number of internet-connected devices has grown dramatically over the years, and with more devices coming online each day, as well as the shift to increased spectrum use by consumers in the home and businesses for private 5G, the need for an updated model of
Sharing Spectrum Enables Future Innovation, Connectivity
“The only practical way to satisfy the demands of all applications – commercial, scientific and federal – is to encourage spectrum sharing among incumbent users and new entrants.” That’s the recent conclusion of the FCC's Technology Advisory Council (TAC) in presenting its final findings and recommendations to the FCC regarding the 7.125 and 24 GHz bands. The TAC, which represents a wide array of leading technical experts, recognized that the U.S. leads the way in innovative spectrum-sharing techniques, thereby opening the door for expanded economic and social benefits by unlocking valuable
Broadband Stats: A World of Wi-Fi
June 20 marked World Wi-Fi Day, and there’s a lot to celebrate about this powerful technology. As the number of smart devices continues to grow, smart management of unlicensed spectrum will be critical to the continued success of a nearly trillion-dollar economic engine.
Shared Spectrum Promotes Innovation, Competition and Consumer Savings
Recently, NTIA issued a report analyzing the early development and successes of the nation's Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) – a relatively new spectrum design model allowing many parties to share public airwaves supporting both commercial and government activities. This report was put out for comment and NCTA along with others filed comments supporting this approach and its ability to unlock tremendous value for consumers through new competition and innovative wireless services. Unsurprisingly, large wireless carriers are not fans. Having already locked up roughly 80% of the country
How CBRS Is a Model for Spectrum Management
As digital habits continue to change and adapt to new realities, consumers are using more wireless devices. This growth means there is a need to ensure access to ample wireless spectrum to power these emerging technologies. As policymakers consider how to squeeze more spectrum from an already crowded spectral landscape, new and innovative solutions can enable more efficient use of the finite amount of wireless spectrum available. One such solution lies in the band of spectrum known as Citizens Broadband Radio Service, or CBRS. What Is CBRS? CBRS refers to an innovative spectrum-sharing regime
