At the September
meeting, the FCC will vote on the Wireless
Infrastructure Order that would reduce state and local barriers to small
cell deployment by limiting pole attachment fees and streamlining
administrative processes. Adoption of this Order undoubtedly would advance the implementation
of 5G wireless technology throughout the United States.
But interestingly,
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel is already looking towards 6G. In a speech at
the Mobile World Congress Americas on September 13, Commissioner Rosenworcel said that
the FCC should revisit spectrum policy of the future, particularly with
relation to valuation, auction, and distribution.
With regard to
spectrum distribution, Commissioner Rosenworcel said the FCC should consider
using blockchain as a way to enable smarter and more decentralized dynamic spectrum
access techniques:
Blockchains are distributed databases that can be
securely updated without central intermediaries. That makes them ideal for a
bunch of uses—and everyone has a blockchain idea right now. So here’s mine:
Instead of having a centralized database to support shared access in specific
spectrum bands, we could explore the use of blockchain as a lower-cost
alternative. If the effort succeeds, this could reduce the administrative
expense of dynamic access systems and increase spectral efficiency. We also
could foster new hierarchies of band-specific rights and new models for
lightweight leasing. Plus, the public quality of recording this information
using distributed ledger technology could help expose patterns that inspire new
technical innovation and even change the way we use wireless.
The FCC still must continue to reduce regulatory barriers to small cell deployment and promote the advancement of 5G wireless technology throughout the U.S. But it is also important that FCC Commissioners
are looking towards the future to ensure that the wireless market will
experience a smooth transition from 5G to 6G.
Kudos to
Commissioner Rosenworcel for her forward-looking ideas!
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