FCC Establishes 2 Innovation Zones for Wireless Communications, Network Research

The FCC created its first two innovation zones, in New York and Salt Lake City. They're city-scale test beds for advanced wireless communications and network research, including 5G networks, it said Wednesday. The beds extend the geographic areas where licensed experimental program licensees can do tests, allowing “flexibility to conduct multiple non-related experiments under a single authorization within a defined geographic area” while “protecting incumbent services against harmful interference,” it said. Experimental program license holders licensed to operate elsewhere may use the zones, it said. An Office of Engineering and Technology public notice Wednesday provides details, on docket 19-257.