CTA to FCC: Flexible-Use Spectrum Rules Will Promote IoT

Commenters sought flexible use rules for spectrum, in replies on an FCC IoT notice of inquiry, posted Wednesday in docket 21-353. Initial comments highlighted disagreements about the need for more unlicensed versus licensed spectrum (see 2111020038). “Continuing to free up spectrum for flexible, commercial uses is the best way to ensure that the spectrum foundation for IoT remains strong,” CTA said: “Such flexible spectrum policies have been successful and have facilitated the popularity and growth of IoT.” In initial comments, carriers, satellite operators, Wi-Fi advocates and others asserted they have a strong role to play in the IoT, Cisco said. All are correct, the company said. “The IoT is a collection of diverse spectrum-based technologies and highly diverse applications that continues to be a focus of growth and revenue, and one that will have profound impacts,” Cisco said: “Facilitating multiple IoT technologies through the availability of spectrum is the best practice.” The IoT requires “licensed, lightly licensed and unlicensed spectrum,” Microsoft commented. Different uses will inevitably “gravitate” to certain bands, the company said: “For many IoT applications, the cost and availability of sufficient unlicensed spectrum for indoor use are the principal considerations. But for certain use cases, IoT over licensed spectrum will have clear advantages.” Inmarsat agreed with comments the FCC “should support the growth of IoT with flexible use policies and spectrum allocations that accommodate IoT use cases, but that do not favor a particular communications technology over another.” Flexibility “enables operators to put spectrum to its highest and best use in a dynamic marketplace,” the company said. The record “demonstrates the importance of unlicensed and shared spectrum for current and future” IoT applications, said NCTA: “A small group of commenters assert that unlicensed and shared spectrum are not secure enough for important IoT applications and that no more spectrum is needed in the near term for unlicensed or shared use. These commenters are incorrect.” Rules should “ensure maximum flexibility,” said Public Knowledge and New America’s Open Technology Institute. “Extending dynamic spectrum sharing frameworks to additional bands in low-, mid- and high-frequency spectrum clearly benefits the public interest as it promotes the most efficient and effective use of the airwaves while simultaneously stimulating competitive access to a resource traditionally dominated by the largest mobile carriers.”