Great news on the wireless front, coming from the FCC: Chairman Julius Genachowski announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) will be working towards freeing up as much as 195 MHz of spectrum in the 5 GHz band, making it the largest block of unlicensed spectrum to be made available in a decade.

                The move is designed to alleviate heavy Wi-Fi traffic at sites such as airports, convention centers, and large conferences, while simultaneously increasing HD video quality and improving speeds in residences with multiple devices. This action will increase and free-up the unlicensed spectrum available for ultra high-speed, high-capacity Wi-Fi (known as Gigabit Wi-Fi), by up to 35%.  

          Alleviating network congestion and approving use of the unlicensed spectrum is one part of a much larger “technology initiative” ordered by President Obama: to free as much as 500 MHz of spectrum by 2020. Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst at the Enderle Group, states, “Given that National WiFi expansion is a presidential priority, the FCC is likely going to do all it can to free up the spectrum.” Chairman Genachowski has committed the Commission to move hastily in order to complete this process, however, as the 5GHz band is currently used for Federal and non-Federal purposes, the effort will likely require a significant collaboration between multiple agencies. Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge said, “There’s a potential with a move like this to not just look at bands generically, but to differentiate the circumstances where these bands should be put to use as they become available. That can make it become a much more efficient system overall, when we can match the traffic and need with the right spectrum.” The FCC has not only committed to free up bandwidth, but they have also hinted at putting an increased emphasis on spectrum allocation. Feld continued on to state, “Having more of these bands that are separate from each other allows you more freedom and better setup if you’re at a convention center, for instance. You can dedicate the 5 GHz band to the WiFi for the convention floor, while different bands are being used for services like internal security and credit card readers and other needs for a wireless network.” In addition to more specific allocation, the FCC additionally has taken steps in recent years to employ the potential of next-generation unlicensed spectrum, which operates in a lower frequency than existing Wi-Fi, and would enable wireless communication to travel longer distances, better penetrate barriers such as building materials, and offer improved coverage over varying terrain.

             It is evident that the Commission is better understanding the urgent need for not only wireless service, but improved wireless service, for the enterprise and consumer landscape. This need is only increasing as the population quickly gravitates towards the inevitable use of smartphones, tablets, and the cloud. It is a very interesting time for technology, and the Wi-Fi world as a whole; it is likely that such a massive release of spectrum for National use will spark a total reconstruction of what we now know as a wireless network. For now, we sit back and wait.

As the world-wide Green Movement marches on, it appears there are an increasing number of hurdles to overcome regarding technology, and how to successfully mesh the two. The majority of new construction involves “LEED Certified” building materials, which, unfortunately, have a tricky way of dulling cellular service within the building to a minimum.

Even if your building has managed to dodge the common cell service bullets, such as distant cell towers, uncooperative topography, or an overabundance of neighboring structures, using responsible, Eco-friendly materials may hamper you, service-wise, in the long run. As this issues becomes more and more prevalent, many building owners are searching frantically for a resolution.

Currently there are few options on the market which increase cellular service within a building, most of which are extremely inefficient cost-wise, and will most likely be outdated in just a couple years. One such example is a DAS System, or a Distributed Antennae System, which requires rigorous installation, and can cost on average $2 per square foot–which, as you can imagine,  adds up very quickly in large, multi-unit construction.

Luckily, there are more time efficient and cost effective solutions available. Systems such as CellBoost, recently introduced by Spot On Networks, are easily and quickly installed, extremely reliable, and a fraction of the cost of a DAS system, at only $ .15 – $ .45 a square foot. CellBoost maximizes data and voice coverage and minimizes the cost of providing these services by boosting the signal received outdoors, so that the signal strength indoors is amplified. The implementation of a WiFi network in addition to the booster system provides connectivity and increased capacity for users of data-driven devices, while simultaneously providing coverage for voice services. Problem solved.