Media Coverage
Source: Law360
Media Coverage
02.20.13
The Federal Communications Commission said it has taken initial steps to free up additional spectrum for wireless devices, a move aimed at easing congestion on public and private Wi-Fi networks and enabling faster connection speeds. Freeing up commercial spectrum for commercial purposes, however, could interfere with current federal agency applications already making use of the 5 gigahertz band.
According to Scott Flick, a partner in Pillsbury’s Communications practice in Washington, DC, the 5 gigahertz band is a high frequency that goes through objects like walls very poorly, making it well suited for short-range transmissions. While releasing 195 megahertz of additional spectrum is significant, it's not unprecedented. The FCC released 255 megahertz of spectrum for unlicensed devices in 2003, Flick commented.
Releasing additional spectrum for commercial use could be a boon to the technology industry which should be able to produce Wi-Fi enabled products that are more reliable, Flick said. "Technology companies are very interested in having more spectrum dedicated to unlicensed uses."