Posted on July 17, 2024
By Prince Niyyar, CEO, Commdex; Immediate Past President, Safer Buildings Coalition
At the Wireless Tech and Policy Summit, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez delivered a keynote that resonated deeply with the Safer Buildings Coalition's (SBC) core mission. The address, moderated by SBC Managing Director John Foley, highlighted several key areas that directly impact the work of SBC members and the future of in-building wireless communications.
Addressing Connectivity Challenges
One of the most pressing issues facing our industry is the challenge of providing universal connectivity, particularly in areas where traditional network deployments are not economically viable. Commissioner Gomez acknowledged this ongoing struggle, highlighting the recent depletion of funds for the Affordable Connectivity Program. It also opens up new opportunities for SBC members to contribute their expertise in developing innovative solutions for these underserved areas.
Innovative Solutions for Connectivity Challenges
In response to these challenges, Commissioner Gomez emphasized the need for innovative solutions. She highlighted Apple's SOS program as an example of technology that provides emergency communications even in the absence of standard network connectivity. This aligns perfectly with SBC's commitment to advancing technologies that ensure effective in-building wireless communication capabilities, especially in emergency situations. Perhaps the most exciting development in this area is the Supplemental Coverage from Space initiative. This ambitious project aims to provide satellite communications directly to phones, potentially revolutionizing connectivity in remote or challenging environments. This could be a game changer, offering new possibilities for eliminating wireless dead zones in areas where terrestrial networks are not feasible.
"A Worldwide, Exciting Thing That We Hope Can Happen"
Commissioner Gomez explains how Supplemental Coverage From Space could help bring us coverage to areas with little or no current coverage.
Public-Private Partnerships: A Path Forward
The success of the FirstNet initiative is not just innovative—it also represents a new model of collaboration between the public and private sectors. These public-private partnerships represent a new paradigm in how we approach complex challenges in our industry, particularly with funding challenges in Government budgets. This public-private partnership approach was echoed in another initiative discussed by Commissioner Gomez: the Cyber Trust Mark program. The Cyber Trust Mark program is a significant step towards enhancing device security in our increasingly connected world. This cybersecurity labeling initiative will help consumers identify devices that meet stringent security standards, promoting trust and safety in the digital ecosystem. For SBC members, this program could provide a framework for ensuring that the systems they install and maintain meet the highest standards of cybersecurity.
A Public-Private Partnership Program That Will Enable Trust and Ensure Security in Connected Devices
Commissioner Gomez talks about the Cyber Trust Mark cybersecurity labeling initiative, which will will help consumers easily identify devices that meet stringent security standards.
Expanding In-Building Communications: The Spectrum Revolution
Recognizing the growing demand for indoor wireless connectivity, Commissioner Gomez pointed to new spectrum allocations in the 6 GHz and 5.9 GHz bands. This development is particularly exciting for SBC members, as it provides more bandwidth for the advanced technologies that make buildings safer. "Spectrum is needed to feed the thirst for innovation." From improved wireless capabilities to enhanced emergency response systems, these new spectrum allocations open up a world of possibilities. Moreover, the FCC is actively seeking ways to both find new spectrum for emerging technologies and repurpose existing spectrum for novel applications. This forward-thinking approach creates a supportive environment for the kind of innovation that SBC members specialize in.
Enhancing Emergency Alert Systems
In line with SBC's mission to ensure that mobile mass notifications get in, Commissioner Gomez discussed a new order requiring Wireless Emergency Alerts to reach consumers in multiple languages. This enhancement to the system's effectiveness and inclusivity aligns with the FCC's commitment to ensuring that critical information reaches all members of the community during emergencies.
"The Kind of Life Saving Action That the Public Needs"
Commissioner Gomez explains how a new order requires wireless emergency alerts to reach consumers in 13 languages, plus American Sign Language, ensuring that critical information is delivered in a language and a format that the recipients understand.
988 Lifeline Georouting: A Call to Action
One of the most exciting initiatives discussed by Commissioner Gomez was the FCC's work on improving the 988 Lifeline service through the implementation of georouting capabilities. This initiative aims to direct crisis calls to local resources, mirroring the location accuracy efforts championed by the Safer Buildings Coalition for 911 services. Importantly, Commissioner Gomez expressed a keen interest in receiving industry feedback on the implementation of this crucial service, particularly from organizations like SBC. This presents a unique opportunity for SBC members to directly influence the development of this life-saving technology. SBC members' expertise in this area could prove invaluable in shaping the implementation of the 988 system, ensuring that it works effectively within buildings and other structures where precise location information can be challenging to obtain.
As the FCC continues to seek industry feedback on these initiatives, SBC members have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to shape the future of in-building wireless communications. Our expertise and real-world experience are invaluable in ensuring that these policies and technologies truly serve the needs of building occupants and first responders. As we work towards a future where every one of the nation's 6.2 million commercial buildings is truly safe inside, let's:
- Engage actively with these FCC initiatives, providing feedback and insights based on our real-world experience.
- Stay informed about the latest developments in spectrum allocation, cybersecurity, and emergency communications systems.
- Continue to innovate and adapt our services to meet the evolving needs of building owners, occupants, and first responders.
- Collaborate with other SBC members and industry partners to develop comprehensive solutions that address the full spectrum of in-building safety and communication needs.
- Our work is not just about manufacturing, designing, installing, or maintaining communications enhancement systems—it's about saving lives and ensuring that people feel safe inside buildings. With the regulatory environment increasingly aligned with SBC's mission, there's never been a more exciting—or important—time to be part of this industry. Together, let's turn the vision of truly safe buildings into a reality, one building at a time.
