Leveraging American Strengths for Wireless Success

TL/DR -

The US digital infrastructure, including critical networks supporting commerce, defense, transport, and public safety, needs a serious upgrade. Despite being a pioneer in earlier generations of mobile technology, the US is now lagging in 5G technology, with less than half the speed of Bulgaria or Malaysia and only 7% of South Korea's 5G base stations per capita. Mobile networks are only one part of the digital infrastructure, and there is a need to update policies and strategies to reflect the growth of data exchanges between various systems and to promote innovation in areas like software development and spectrum management to maintain competitive edge.

Revamping American Digital Infrastructure

Ex-Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, states that the U.S. needs a major upgrade in its digital infrastructure, which is crucial for defense, commerce, transportation, public safety, and innovation power. Despite leading in cellular technology, U.S. is lagging in 5G technologies, with less than half the speed of Bulgaria or Malaysia, and only 7% of South Korea's 5G base stations per capita.

The National Spectrum Strategy by the Biden administration demonstrates serious focus on improving the digital infrastructure. However, the strategy still lacks in addressing the changing telecommunications technology landscape and promoting spectrum innovation.

With the evolution of communication systems, cellular networks play only one part. Hyperscale companies handle two-thirds of global data traffic and own the undersea fiber-optic cables. Even though we're lagging in 5G, our spectrum management regime must evolve as wireless use cases evolve.

Current spectrum policies are ineffective and telecom operators are reducing investment in 5G, voicing disinterest in 6G. As use cases advance, we need to redefine our strategy, focusing on our strengths and not on areas where we can't win.

The U.S. thrives in software development, competitive innovation, and market shaping. We can leverage these strengths to develop top-tier digital infrastructure. Open Radio Access Networks are a good start that encourage innovation. Further advancements in AI applications for network management will also increase the technical capacity for spectrum utilization.

Sharing of spectrum can be an effective response to competitive command economies. U.S. can promote competitive access to spectrum to accelerate innovation. Licensing innovation proved successful in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service experiment where over 370,000 access points were deployed.

For a functional network, policies should be designed to reduce service costs and incentivize swift and broad deployment. Funds from auction payments could provide low-cost loans for network development, bringing lasting economic value in GDP, productivity, and new products.

U.S. has massive innovation potential for prosperity and security, but to compete globally, it must overcome the hurdles of outdated digital infrastructure and policies. By acknowledging these new realities and utilizing our strengths, we can reverse the deterioration of our digital infrastructure.

---
Read More USA Works News