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Unlicensed to kill: a brief history of the Part 15 rules : Table of Contents

Kenneth R. Carter — Sun Aug 02 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief history of the Part 15 rules. Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of a systematic overview of spectrum policy applied to rules governing unlicensed devices since 1938. Findings – Much of the policy debate in the last decade has been couched in terms of how spectrum rights are defined. The jurisprudence underlying the Part 15 rules is that unlicensed spectrum is not spectrum at all. Rather, the rules concentrate on the effective power and modulation characteristic of the radio devices themselves. Perhaps this is the next great idea for all spectrum policy: spectrum does not really exist. It is merely an idea – a concept – a way of describing and organizing the physical world in people's minds and actions. Spectrum is a legal and engineering construct to control for an immutable fundamental physical property. Research limitations/implications – Research limitations encompass typical limitations of a case study of a historical event. Practical implications – The paper informs ongoing efforts to update and modernize spectrum policy. Originality/value – The paper provides a retrospective view of spectrum policy.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: the path from Carter and Reagan-era faith in deregulation to widespread products impacting our world : Table of Contents

Michael J. Marcus — Sun Aug 02 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical account of the May 1985 spread spectrum FCC decision. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study giving a first-person account of decision making at the FCC in 1985. Findings – The May 1985 decision did not start as an attempt to bring specific products to market, but as part of a program to remove anachronistic technical regulations and allow a free market in innovative technology, subject only to responsible interference limits. Research limitations/implications – Research limitations encompass typical limitations of a narrow case study of a historical event. Practical implications – The paper guides future decision making in telecommunications policy. Originality/value – The paper reflects the path of deregulation in the 1980s resulting in widespread product innovation in the twenty-first century.

Unleashing innovation: making the FCC user-friendly : Table of Contents

Stephen J. Lukasik — Sun Aug 02 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to describe a case study of the FCC, dealing with relieving the tension between technical innovation and the regulation of applications of technology. Design/methodology/approach – The author's experience as Chief Scientist of the FCC is used to show how the innovations of the information age were accommodated under the procedures governing the regulation of communications. Findings – The success of the rapid introduction of digital information technology and networking, replacing analog telephony and inflexible technical rules governing the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, resulted from relatively minor modifications in staffing of a technical planning office lacking currency with the innovations in the technology supporting the communication and broadcasting industries. The support of the chairman, the commissioners, and their confidence in the leadership of the office were critical to success. Originality/value – Leading a regulatory agency to helping rather than hindering progress speaks for itself.

Licence-exempt: the emergence of Wi-Fi : Table of Contents

Vic Hayes, Wolter Lemstra — Sun Aug 02 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to provide a description of the genesis and development of Wi-Fi, or how the industry exploited an opportunity provided by the regulators in allowing radio communications in the unlicensed bands originally allocated for industrial, medical and scientific applications. Design/methodology/approach – The longitudinal case describes the genesis and development of Wi-Fi, with a focus on the interplay between regulation, innovation, standardization, and running a successful business. Findings – The paper argues that the current day success of Wi-Fi is a combined result of: a change in the US communications policy in the 1980s; the industry leadership provided by NCR, its successors and collaborators, to create a global standard and to deliver compatible products under the Wi-Fi label; and the influence of the users that moved the application of Wireless-LANs from the enterprise to the home, from indoor to outdoor use, from a communications product to a service, and from operators to end-users as the provider of that service. Research limitations/implications – The exploration and analysis are based on contributions by experts from the field, having been involved “first hand” in the innovation journey of Wi-Fi. Practical implications – The case describes the first globally successful large-scale application of radio communication devices operating under a licence-exempt radio frequency regime. The case is a contemporary example of innovation and product development leading to an open standard. In concluding the paper reflects on the implications of this licence-exempt case for the governance of the radio spectrum. Originality/value – While many articles and books have appeared discussing the technical aspects of Wi-Fi, the case description documents the genesis and development of Wi-Fi from an entrepreneurial perspective.

Has “unlicensed” in Part 15 worked? A case study : Table of Contents

Tim Pozar — Sun Aug 02 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to review a case study of a project to provide broadband to city-run housing developments in San Francisco, California. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a first-person account of a broadband solution implemented by the Bay Area Wireless Research Network. Findings – It was found that the Bay Area Wireless Network implemented an unlicensed 5.8?GHz wireless point-to-point link. Research limitations/implications – The case study provides a first-person account. Practical implications – Creation of an unlicensed band through Part 15 and the development of open protocols such as 802.11 spawned low cost devices through efficiencies of scale, ease of use through competition of feature sets of the devices such as the user interface. Originality/value – Digital inclusion projects such as Alice Griffith might not have been economically viable without the unlicensed bands and the open protocols. Broadband would have been at least one or two magnitudes more expensive in capital costs.

Grazing on the commons: the emergence of Part 15 : Table of Contents

Henry Goldberg — Sun Aug 02 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to give an account of how unlicensed radio services moved from being a by-product of the ISM bands to a deliberate spectrum allocation, with clearly defined goals and objectives that could be achieved only by not subjecting the spectrum to licensing or auctions. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the aforementioned issue in detail. Findings – The paper has found that unlicensed radio services moved from being a by-product of the ISM bands to a deliberate spectrum allocation, with clearly defined goals and objectives that could be achieved only by not subjecting the spectrum to licensing or auctions. Originality/value – The paper presents an account of how unlicensed radio services moved from being a by-product of the ISM bands to a deliberate spectrum allocation, with clearly defined goals and objectives that could be achieved only by not subjecting the spectrum to licensing or auctions.

History of wireless local area networks (WLANs) in the unlicensed bands : Table of Contents

Kevin J. Negus, Al Petrick — Sun Aug 02 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Using a brief history of the development of WLAN standards and products this paper seeks to explain how unlicensed spectrum regulations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have affected the industry. Design/methodology/approach – The paper's approach is one of personal experience. Findings – In general, the FCC's initiative to create an “unlicensed commons” for various forms of wireless communication applications has been the key enabler of today's multi-billion dollar per year WLAN industry. In particular, certain regulatory decisions over the past 25 years regarding these bands have had profound, generally beneficial but sometimes unexpected influence on the WLAN industry. Originality/value – The paper attempts to document these inflection points and their impacts on WLANs as well as to provide some insight as to how future evolutions of the unlicensed spectrum regulations can best enable optimal usage of this valuable spectrum.