Everyone’s favorite Wi-Fi/unlicensed spectrum newsletter is BACK for a second season with some familiar faces — and some NEW experts have also entered the chat!

To kick off this season, we kept it fun, lighthearted and poignant with our experts answering the following question: What’s an example of an unlicensed-run device that you personally use, and how has it improved your life?

Image by Pixabay

An apt topic, as we are counting down our last days in accepting nominations for the second annual Wi-Fi at Work Awards. Our nominations are open to individuals and organizations for Community Connectivity Superheroes and Wi-Fi Policy Champions, honoring those who have worked to maximize the potential for unlicensed spectrum in connecting our communities and reinforce its importance in our daily lives.

Read on for our panelists’ musings on how unlicensed spectrum makes an impact on a very fundamental, down-to-earth basis and sign up to receive the next FrequencyPULSE newsletter if you’re not on our list. Or share the link with your network to sign up! Spreading the word brings out the Community Connectivity Superheroes and Wi-Fi Policy Champions in all of us.

KRISTIAN STOUT, Director of Innovation Policy, International Center for Law & Economics:

I have a somewhat large backyard that I have put wireless outdoor cameras throughout so I can check on my dogs and kids regularly. It is much more convenient to be able to peek at my cameras when I need to see where my family is without having to hunt around by foot. Although maybe it would be healthier for me to walk more. 

DEBORAH COLLIER, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, Citizens Against Government Waste:

As with many households, nearly every computer uses unlicensed spectrum to connect to the internet through Wi-Fi. The best example of a versatile and valuable device is the Bluetooth-enabled speaker system that is used to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts in both the house and the cars.

KATHLEEN BURKE, Policy Counsel, Public Knowledge:

I use Bluetooth devices all the time. The most useful is my iPhone, especially with Bluetooth to connect it to my car. Not only does this allow me to listen to my music, audiobooks, and podcasts, but it also lets me access my phone’s GPS safely while driving. I’m directionally challenged, so this has significantly improved my life. Instead of showing up hours late everywhere, I’m usually only a few minutes behind schedule.

CHRISTOPHER SZYMANSKI, Director, Product Marketing | Technology Strategy, Broadcom Inc.:

My Apple Watch has become very important for navigation, healthcare, and exercise. I use it all the time and now feel lost without it. Prior to purchasing this, I never even wore a watch!

JEFFREY WESTLING, Director of Tech & Innovation, American Action Forum:

Bluetooth headphones are a must for me. So much easier to go about daily life without having to have a wire plugged into my device, tethering me to it (especially when the device needs to charge).

RYAN JOHNSTON, Policy Counsel, Federal Programs, Next Century Cities:

One of the unlicensed devices that I personally use is my PlayStation 5 Console. A video game console doesn’t have the impact of a laptop or smartphone. But it does provide a way to relax and engage with friends and family at the end of the day. I think consoles are, in essence, another form of social media in which you can connect to similarly interested people all over the world. As we’ve all been working from home since the pandemic started, having that last bastion of social interaction has certainly helped me and helps others feel connected.

Now it’s your turn: we KNOW you all use and appreciate the devices that unlicensed spectrum makes possible, so tweet us or email us to sing the praises of this invaluable resource and join this conversation. We’ll feature your thoughtful submissions right here in a future piece.

If you’re new, catch up on everything FrequencyPULSE thus far. If you know someone who might appreciate learning about Wi-Fi and unlicensed spectrum, have them sign up for FrequencyPULSE here!

• What does the Biden Administration need to know about balanced spectrum policy? (Oct. 28, 2021)
• Wi-Fi 6 and cellular—are these two technologies interdependent or will one eventually replace the other? (Nov. 11, 2021)
• Wi-Fi and dynamic sharing spectrum policy remain one of the few places in tech policy that bipartisanship lives on. Why do you think that is? (Dec. 2, 2021)
• The origin story of Wi-Fi is an interesting one, invented in the “junk bands” in our airwaves more than two decades ago. What does this tell us about how we design our spectrum policies today? (Dec. 16, 2021)
• Wi-Fi was born in the United States and the industry is generally dominated by American companies. How does future-looking spectrum policy account for American competitiveness here? What lessons can we take into the future? (Jan. 6, 2022)
• How can good spectrum policy help to address the digital divide? (Jan. 21, 2022)
• Last year, the FCC voted unanimously to split the 5.9 GHz band between connected cars and unlicensed uses like Wi-Fi. What was the significance of this decision? (Feb. 4, 2022)
• In 2020, the FCC voted to unlock a big swath of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for use by Wi-Fi. How will this decision affect consumers? (Feb. 17, 2022)