US: FCC approves next generation of wireless innovation: 5G

The Federal Communications Commission last week approved guidelines for the next revolution in wireless technology that some predict could be the biggest economic generator in history.

The agency’s commissioners Thursday unanimously approved rules that will open up little-used, high frequency airwaves for uses that could range from telecommunications to medicine, self-driving cars, factories and smart house appliances such as refrigerators that automatically reorder food once it is used.

New technology still being developed will allow more extensive use of the short waves that will greatly expand the capacity for carrying information on the new system, which will be known as 5G, for fifth generation. About every 10 years, there’s a quantum leap in wireless that moves the technology up a generation, and the fruits of this next step probably will begin rolling out in 2020.

Most consumers associate the Gs with cell phones, but it’s really a broad term for upgrades in many forms of wireless communication, including satellites. Usually the expansion coincides with the FCC making more bandwidth available.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said Thursday the agency’s role will be setting guidelines to maintain competition and “turning loose the incredible innovators” who will shape what the next generation brings.

“If we’ve learned anything in the generational march through wireless connectivity, it is that we have always underestimated the innovation that would result from new generations of wireless,” Mr. Wheeler said in a speech last month to the National Press Club. “… If anyone tells you they know the details of what 5G will deliver, walk the other way.

“Our proposal is the final piece in the spectrum trifecta of low-band, mid-band and high-band airwaves that will open up unprecedented amounts of spectrum, speed the rollout of new-generation wireless networks and redefine network connectivity for years to come. I’m confident these actions will lead to a cornucopia of unanticipated innovative uses and generate 10s of billions of dollars in economic activity.”

Full Content: Post Gazette

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