By R. Michael Brown,* Premium Feature Writer and Ghostwriter.

The Spectrum Crunch: Understanding the Depletion of Cellphone Spectrum

Your mobile device reception is getting worse. In an era where smartphones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are extensions of our daily lives, the invisible infrastructure supporting their connectivity—cellphone spectrum—is facing a critical shortage. The exponential growth in wireless devices and our insatiable demand for faster, more reliable connections has led to a scarcity of available spectrum. This shortage has important implications for the future of telecommunications.

To understand why there’s no more cellphone spectrum available, we must examine the complexities of spectrum allocation, usage, and the challenges faced by the telecommunications industry. But first, see the results of a J.D. Power user report completed this year.

As reported by Alana Samuels in Time Magazine, on average, between April and June of 2023, U.S. cellphone users reported that out of every 100 times they tried to use data, text, or make a call, they had problems 11 times. That’s up from about nine problems per 100 connections in most of 2020 and 2021, according to a report from J.D. Power. All three major carriers—Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T had worse scores on this metric in the first part of 2023 than they’d had in early 2021.

“It’s gotten a little bit worse—there’s a problem more than there used to be,” says Carl Lepper, a senior director at J.D. Power. “The industry should be in the 8-9 range, My ears perk up when it gets above 10.”

The amount of traffic each device puts out over the network doubles every two years or so, and there’s no real way to expand capacity that quickly.

J.D. Power

Explaining Spectrum: The Backbone of Wireless Communication

Spectrum refers to the range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used to transmit data wirelessly. This resource is finite and divided into bands allocated for various purposes, including cellphone communication, TV broadcasting, satellite transmissions, and more. The specific bands used for cellphones are limited, primarily falling within the radio frequency spectrum.

Note that a cellphone is nothing more than a two-way radio (walkie-talkie). You don’t have to use a push-to-talk button because the phone is running in full-duplex (two open lines at once) – one wireless line for talk and one wireless line to listen.

Exploring the Demand Explosion

The explosion of wireless devices in recent years, from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, has led to an unprecedented demand for spectrum. As technology evolves, newer applications like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the implementation of 5G networks require additional spectrum resources. The growth in data consumption, driven by high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and remote work, further strains the available spectrum.

Spectrum Allocation Challenges

Spectrum allocation is regulated by governments and international organizations. Auctions and licensing processes are used to allocate portions of the spectrum to telecommunication companies. However, the frequency bands suitable for cellular networks are limited. Reallocating or repurposing existing bands is a complex and slow process due to regulatory constraints and the need to avoid interference with other spectrum users.

The Interference Dilemma

Allocation must balance the needs of different users and technologies. For instance, adjacent frequency bands might interfere with each other, impacting the quality of service. This makes it challenging to free up additional spectrum without causing disruptions to existing services or users.

Solutions and Innovations

• Telecommunication companies and regulatory bodies are exploring various solutions to address the spectrum scarcity:
• Spectrum Sharing: Encouraging dynamic and efficient sharing of spectrum between multiple users without causing interference.
• Technology Advancements: Innovations in wireless technology, such as more efficient spectrum usage and improved spectrum management techniques, might alleviate the strain on available resources.
• Spectrum Repurposing: Governments and regulatory bodies may reallocate underutilized spectrum or repurpose bands previously allocated for different services to meet the growing demands of cellular communication.
• R&D in Alternative Solutions: Research into new transmission technologies or frequency bands, like millimeter-wave bands for 5G, aims to exploit untapped resources for wireless communication.

The Path Forward

The spectrum scarcity issue demands a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration between governments, regulatory bodies, and telecommunication companies. Efforts should focus on efficient spectrum use, innovative technologies, and the exploration of alternative frequency bands to meet the growing demand for wireless connectivity.

Conclusion

The depletion of cellphone spectrum isn’t an isolated problem, nor is it new; it’s a complex issue influenced by technological advancements, increased demand, regulatory challenges, and the need for efficient spectrum usage. While there’s no immediate fix to this shortage, collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and advancements in technology offer hope for a more connected future. Balancing the demands of an increasingly connected world with the limitations of a finite resource will be key in navigating the spectrum crunch and ensuring a robust wireless communication infrastructure for generations to come.

*R. Michael Brown was the marketing communication manager that launched Nextel from Motorola – product of the decade by Business Week Magazine – he writes about technology issues. See Portfolio.