Dupont Circle Spectrum Utilization During Peak Hours

Wireless Future — Fri, 20 Jun 2003 09:00:00 -0400

On Tuesday, June 10, 2003, Mark McHenry from Shared Spectrum and Max Vilimpoc from New America measured the utilization of the radio frequency spectrum in the immediate vicinity of New America’s offices (38°54’43.8”N, 77°02’43.2”W) over a period of several hours. The location of the measurement site in an urban and highly pedestrian area just north of Dupont Circle offered an ideal vantage from which to measure spectrum utilization during peak business hours. Accordingly, the analysis was performed between the hours of 9AM to 5PM over a range of frequencies covering both civilian and military use. The purpose of the measurements was to experimentally demonstrate that a large proportion of urban radio spectrum remains unused on a regular basis. The experimental results add additional weight to the policy proposals offered by both participants: that more license-exempt use of spectrum is possible through opportunistic sharing.

Unlicensed Sharing of Broadcast Spectrum

Wireless Future — Sun, 01 Jun 2003 03:00:00 -0400

Each day, between the hours of waking, working, and sleeping, we unconsciously interact with an incredible variety of unlicensed devices. From controlling the garage door and monitoring the baby, to microwaving breakfast and speaking on a cordless phone, to keyless entry to a workplace and turning off the television via remote control, our interactions with unlicensed devices have become second nature. And each day, whether most of us realize it or not, we go to bed not having to pay a cent to anyone for the right to do these things.

What makes all of these conveniences possible? Simple, light-handed regulations that permit the unlicensed sharing of a small portion of the spectrum by multiple users at low power, subject to only technical restrictions. The benefits of this freedom to innovate within the unlicensed bands are seen daily in the numerous devices and conveniences we take for granted. Additional unlicensed spectrum would create opportunities for greater competition, more affordable high-speed Internet access, new wireless services, and ultimately, increased access by the public to a common asset.

For the complete document, please see the attached PDF version below.