The FCC today opened a notice of inquiry that will see the agency begin to explore next-generation wireless networks.
The FCC is hoping to use spectrum above 24GHz for new wireless networks. This spectrum, sometimes referred to as millimeter waves, has long been regarded as ill-suited for wireless networking use due to its short-range and line-of-site propagation characteristics.
However, the densely packed waves can hold large volumes of data, or 1,000 times more than current-generation technology can, according to the FCC. The FCC plans to study the technical needs of making this spectrum useful and the potential regulatory regime needed to oversee it. The move comes as 4G LTE networks are in their final stages of being built in the U.S.
The FCC knows it needs to find new ways to meet the crushing demand for capacity. “How do we meet these demands?” asked Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. “We look up. Way, way, up. To infinity and beyond.”
