It is difficult to conceive, but our interconnectedness these days is based entirely on networks – wireless or wired 
broadcasting of networks and information, connecting devices across millions of users. Every development in these networks – from piggy backing on landline phone networks to broadcasting city-wide wireless networks – has progressed as our ability to encode more information on these networks has increased. Spectrum allocation and technologies have made quantum leaps and ensured that voice, images, and video are all shared as quick data across blistering fast connections that have made cellphones amongst the fastest selling products today.
While initially, cellphone networks were only capable of providing voice services, succeeding generations of network technologies (the commonly used but oft misunderstood 2G, 3G, 4G and now upcoming 5G wireless systems) have increased their capacity and speed manifold. 4G LTE, the current standard, provides speeds more than capable of real time two-way video communication; with 5G and the prospect of 10 mbps around the corner, the possibilities are astounding. LTE U is the proportion of the spectrum initially allocated as the unlicensed 5GHz band used by home broadband, free WiFi networks, and so on. Allowing the use of this band by our cellular and internet service providing companies would boost the speeds and network coverage of cellular network service providers substantially.
However, this new approach does not come without risks. Many foresee that it will cause difficulty and impede normal functioning of existing personal wireless networks and devices – a charge made by both Google and some industry groups. However, most of these objections have been debunked by responses; and the understanding is that LTE-U is likely to be operationalized by the FCC very soon.
What does this mean for internet service providers? It means that they have an opportunity to provide a massive improvement in service to their consumers, and that early movement could give them that all-important first mover’s advantage in their areas of operation. What does this mean for city officials and regulatory officers? This means that if they establish and clear good, well-thought out policy first, they will be able to open their constituency to this technology first and increase business and prosperity.
All those involved in this field – from the regulators to the Internet Service Providers – stand to benefit from being prepared and starting NOW to work towards understanding and engaging with LTE-U. Getting expert guidance from expert speaker David Witkowski in this online event would go a long way in clearing their initial hesitations and enabling them to take this opportunity.