DOE, FCC Should Work Together on Building Materials, Spectrum, O'Rielly Says

FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly asked Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette for help in better coordinating “building codes, construction techniques and materials, and wireless communications coverage.” The FCC and DOE should “collaborate more extensively in order to produce thoughtful building codes that will not only allow the Department to fulfill its mission, but also expand wireless spectrum opportunities, and thus facilitate more consumer uses,” O’Rielly said in a letter posted Thursday. DOE's effort to improve the energy and thermal efficiency of buildings “has had an impact on wireless signals near and within these structures,” he said: “Higher energy efficiency requirements, construction techniques and the use of certain materials, such as metal-coated windows, double-pane windows, and metal foil barriers, have increased … building entry and exit loss.” The need for spectrum efficiency is increasing as consumer demand for wireless continues to grow, he said.