As we head into the next decade, we are looking ahead to building on the momentum of last year’s progress which saw many countries implement regulations to contribute to dynamic spectrum sharing worldwide.
By taking similar steps and achievements this year and beyond, we will reach closer to our goal of accessible global connectivity for everyone. We will also aim to encourage wider adoption of new technologies to address the rising demand of the already connected.
I am sure you are already familiar with this number, about four billion people still have no Internet access, which prohibits their quality of life and prevents them from accessing vital resources. It might sound like something you heard before, but it is urgent to act! The only unacceptable choice is not to do anything. Unfortunately, one of the first barriers for connectivity is spectrum access and unfortunately too, in most of the areas with no access to Internet, most of the resource is not used.
New technologies based on dynamic spectrum access are an available tool to make efficient use of spectrum and provide Internet access and connectivity that is extremely relevant for health, agriculture, manufacturing and in general, for economic growth and a better quality of life. The DSA’s key objectives have always prioritised spectrum sharing solutions and technologies which make connectivity more globally accessible so that everyone in any corner on Earth can benefit from the digital economy. We continue to seek to remedy this in 2020 and will strive to meet the following objectives with the same commitment and dedication we have shown for many years.
Fostering Innovation
The Citizen’s Band Radio Service (CBRS) is the latest technology in dynamic spectrum sharing in the US and is essential for enabling the most efficient and intensive use of the mid-band spectrum that is critical for 5G. The use of CBRS increases spectrum efficiency and maximises spectrum access through its widened variety of users and use cases. A great chapter in the spectrum-sharing success story of CBRS will happen this year, and the DSA are ready to continue fostering innovation.
During 2019, the FCC considered a fresh and comprehensive look at the benefits of spectrum sharing for both the 5.9GHz band and the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and unlicensed devices. On the same direction, Europe considered the lower part of the 6 GHz band and held the technical compatibility studies that proved the sharing possibilities in the band while protecting the incumbents. These initiatives will help to enable wider unlicensed access to the spectrum for billions of devices. We are looking forward to continuing to actively support the FCC’s efforts in dynamic spectrum sharing as we make further steps towards our goals and we hope to see the final regulations adopted in USA, Europe and many more countries worldwide.
Connecting People
With collaboration being key to progressing dynamic spectrum access, it is also vital to support the technologies which provide solutions for spectrum to be shared to provide widespread, inclusive and affordable internet connectivity. In the last year we have actively supported shared access in TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum and many on-going commercial projects in the countries that have adopted regulations for this technology. This year, we will actively continue to support TVWS to extend internet connectivity and we are sure that many more countries will adopt the regulations, enabling more rural areas to benefit from broadband connectivity, IoT possibilities and economies of scale.
As we look to the furture, the FCC recently announced it will hold a public auction for C-band spectrum, allowing for an open, fair, and transparent process to make spectrum available for licensed mobile applications. This is a positive policy development, and DSA will continue to advocate for the point-to-multipoint networks in this band, that can provide critical broadband to underserved rural locations.
Identifying goals
As an Alliance, we recognize the dedication our members have to progressing innovation, inclusion and opportunities in dynamic spectrum within the industry. We believe this recognition is crucial in marking the progress they have contributed so that effective solutions can be identified and provide guidelines for what we, as an industry, need more of in future. I would like to commend all DSA members’ active participation in innovating solutions which help us meet our goals. I am also thrilled to continue celebrating its innovative achievements with them in the upcoming year.
So far this year, I am delighted to grow our alliance within the industry as we welcome two new members, CUBIC and LOON. We hope we can continue to establish more partnerships and welcome new members to strengthen our alliance and the goals we are able to achieve together.
Adhering to our resolutions, I am looking forward to my debut in leading the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance as we hold the eighth annual DSA Global Summit in Paris, France, 2-4 June 2020. The event will reflect on the progression achieved by the telecommunications industry as well as addressing the issues that remain present, exploring the potential for future developments. Myself, and the DSA, are thrilled to enter 2020 with defined goals, strong plans and exciting announcements.