By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
The National Science Foundation will invest $25 million into the study of new demands for RF spectrum. Known as SpectrumX, the NSF Spectrum Innovation Center is a federal investment in wireless spectrum management that consists of a coalition of 27 institutions led by the University of Notre Dame.
The project will study the various competing needs for spectrum, such as wireless connectivity, scientific observation and public safety, and how they can be met. New ways to share and manage the radio spectrum will be addressed, according to NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, as the benefits of the radio spectrum for society are maximized.
“Ubiquitous connectivity must operate in harmony with scientific uses of spectrum — such as Earth observation, astronomy, and geospace and atmospheric sciences — and other vital services such as public safety,” Panchanathan said. “Innovations are needed to overcome the challenges of interference and radio spectrum scarcity. This is an interlinked technical and policy challenge.”
The NSF, the FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Administration have signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow the SpectrumX NSF Spectrum Innovation Center to work with all three agencies.
FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel reacted, “Exploring creative mechanisms for spectrum management that will support new wireless technologies is a central focus of the FCC’s work — and this forward-looking innovation center will enhance our capacity to fulfill this mission.”
SpectrumX’s partners include: Morehouse College, Colorado University Boulder, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, New York University, Stanford University, Texas Tech University, University of California Los Angeles, University of Puerto Rico de Mayaguez, and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
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