The Federal Communications Commission is exploring the next frontier in mobile technology: 5G.
On Friday, Oct. 17, the FCC unanimously approved an inquiry into the technology and what can be done to turn a new set of high-frequency airwaves, previously deemed unusable for mobile networks, into something that may just be the next generation of mobile connectivity.
"We are moving from networks designed for analog voice to networks designed for high-speed digital data," said FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. "So how do we meet these demands? We look up. Way, way, up. To infinity and beyond."
The agency will be exploring the possibility of mobile networks using frequencies that are higher than 24 gigahertz. Until recently these frequencies were not considered to be usable because they could not handle cell phone signals. The reason behind this is the fact that these frequencies cannot carry signals very far and are easily stopped by barriers.
However, a number of companies are working on technologies that could turn these frequencies into something more usable. If it is possible to use them, they would be able to handle massive amounts of data, far more than is possible today. These frequencies could handle data as fast as 10 gigabits per second.
With these kinds of speeds, high-definition video could be streamed to a device with no buffering. Large apps could be downloaded to a device almost immediately. It is expected these kinds of speeds would spur on a new generation of technology, as well as the creation of new mobile devices.
While there is currently no definition of 5G speeds, many in the industry have started trying to define it because of the way that it could revolutionize mobile technology.
Yet 5G technology will not replace what is in use today. This is largely because lower frequencies are still better at carrying phone signals, especially over long distances.
"While we will always work to locate more cleared licensed spectrum under 3 GHz, we also need to expand our search to find other complementary spectrum bands, and this Notice is an important step in that effort," said Meredith Attwell Baker, head of CTIA-The Wireless Association, in a statement.
Google has asked permission from the FCC to begin testing extremely high frequencies, which could end up being incorporated into Google Fiber, the company's high-speed Internet service.
Only time will tell if these high frequencies end up being used, but if they are usable they could pave the way for technologies not even imagined yet.
