Since we require it to stay connected, spectrum has quickly become one of the most valuable—and limited—resources we have. Spectrum refers to the range of electromagnetic (EM) frequencies used in communication technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It’s the invisible backbone of modern communication, enabling everything from our smartphones to our smart homes. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt. Yet despite its critical role, spectrum is a finite resource, and managing it effectively is becoming one of the most pressing challenges in the telecommunications and Wi-Fi industries.
The Growing Demand for Wireless Bandwidth
The demand for wireless bandwidth is skyrocketing. The rollout of 5G networks and the exponential increase in smartphone usage have made fast, reliable wireless connections more essential than ever. Meanwhile, billions of IoT devices—smart speakers, cameras, sensors, and more—are crowding the same bands. It’s not just consumer devices, either. Industries like manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure are increasingly dependent on wireless connectivity, using it for automation, monitoring, and other mission-critical functions. All of this activity is happening within a limited amount of spectrum, leading to congestion that can slow down networks, increase latency, and degrade overall performance. Communication Theory has improved the efficiency of data transmission within the existing spectrum, and Moore’s Law has driven advances in processing power, allowing us to handle more data in less space. However, these gains have their limits; eventually, more spectrum will be essential to meet growing bandwidth demands.
Governments control spectrum allocation through regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S., and as the demand rises, spectrum auctions—where entities can bid on limited spectrum space—have become more competitive and expensive. In fact, in 2021, the U.S. C-band spectrum (all frequencies between 4 and 8 GHz, most notably Wi-Fi at 5.2 GHz) auction raised over $81 billion. As spectrum becomes scarcer and costs rise, companies face higher expenses to secure the necessary bandwidth, which may eventually reflect in consumer pricing. This makes it even more important to ensure that the value delivered to customers is well worth the investment.
The Spectrum Scarcity Problem
The reality is that there is only so much spectrum to go around. The availability of spectrum is limited by both the physical laws of the universe and regulatory frameworks. No amount of technological innovation can create more spectrum; instead, we can only focus on improving the efficiency of how we use what we already have. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of different frequencies; however, not all frequencies can be used for these purposes, and that is why governments, through bodies like the FCC, regulate and allocate specific bands to avoid interference. Once these frequencies are assigned, no more can be created. This not only impacts consumer experiences but also poses a significant challenge for industries relying on wireless networks to drive efficiency and automation.
Efficiency Is the Solution
Given the finite nature of spectrum, the key to addressing scarcity lies in making the most of the limited space we have. Right now, that means we must focus on using spectrum more intelligently by improving how we manage traffic, reduce interference, and allocate bandwidth. Innovations like dynamic spectrum sharing—where users share frequencies based on time or geography—offer promise, but these technologies take time to develop and implement. Other current solutions, like cell splitting, are often prohibitively expensive and difficult to scale, requiring costly infrastructure like new towers and increased maintenance. Until more efficient spectrum technologies are widely available, finding smarter ways to maximize existing resources is critical for maintaining high-performance wireless networks.
Earning Its Spot: Sensing
As spectrum becomes increasingly scarce and companies face skyrocketing costs in spectrum auctions, any solution they choose must justify its value. Sensing technologies, such as Wi-Fi Sensing, Mobile Sensing, and Ultra-Wide Band Sensing, offer a compelling answer by operating within existing spectrum bands. These systems can leverage current infrastructure, like Wi-Fi networks in the case of Wi-Fi Sensing, to add a layer of intelligence, value, and/or utility without the need for additional spectrum and often costly hardware upgrades. This makes sensing a cost-effective and scalable solution.
More importantly, standard bodies across these three spectrum areas aren’t just observing the potential of sensing technologies—they are actively incorporating terms for standardized sensing into their protocols. This includes the 802.11bf standard for Wi-Fi, the 802.15.4ab standard for UWB, and 6G under 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project). These developments show that sensing is not just an emerging technology but is being formally recognized and integrated into the future of communication standards. This growing recognition further enhances the value of sensing solutions, as they are increasingly seen as essential components in maximizing spectrum efficiency and delivering next-generation services.
Looking Forward Towards Spectrum Efficiency
As spectrum scarcity becomes a growing concern, industries across Wi-Fi, mobile, and ultra-wideband are turning to sensing technologies to improve the return on investment for these increasingly expensive and limited spectrum bands. Solutions like Wi-Fi Sensing are just one example of how companies can optimize their use of existing infrastructure to add intelligence and functionality without the need for additional spectrum or costly hardware upgrades. By integrating sensing applications into their networks, companies can not only enhance spectrum efficiency but also create new value for consumers and businesses alike. The active inclusion of standardized sensing protocols by regulatory bodies like 802.11bf for Wi-Fi, 802.15.4ab for UWB, and 3GPP for 6G highlights the industry-wide recognition of sensing’s role in addressing spectrum challenges. As these standards evolve, sensing technologies will become even more essential in helping companies navigate spectrum scarcity and maximize the potential of their wireless systems.