The blockchain system could improve administrative processes and facilitate the verification of the spectrum that licenses use
The United States would be evaluating the possibility of using blockchain technology to control and monitor wireless network systems, supported by a massive amount of devices which use Internet of Things (IoT), according to a recent report published by Computerworld, this is, a magazine specialized in information technology and communication.
The project may be considered by the Federal Communications Commission of the United States (FCC), which considers as positive a blockchain system that allows the correct administration of wireless spectra, as well as other multiple functionalities and benefits.
About this point, the Commissioner of the FCC, Jessica Rosenworcel, was quoted in Computerworld’s report. She exposed the central idea of the project at the Conference of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology called The Business of Blockchain.
During her speech, Rosenworcel explained that, according to what the company estimates, in the near future, the world will have an approximate of 50 billion wireless devices; therefore, it is better to have a planned project that can monitor such number of networks, and work with a so-called “Real-time market” that can control it.
In addition, Rosenworcel questioned the current monitoring system, calling it complex and expensive. “If you think about an Internet of Things world with 50 billion wireless devices and functionalities that can provide information to all of them, we should discover how we can have a real-time market for those spectrum inputs instead of this complex current system with these licenses for exclusive use”, she said.
The Administrative Process of Granting Spectrum Licenses
The Commissioner explained that the FCC makes the granting of spectrum use licenses during occasional auctions at indeterminate times. This process comprises a complex administration system and high costs. The Commissioner also mentions that the FCC has an extensive record of licenses which are not completely verified. This means that there is not any information if these licenses are used or approved to be used.
For this reason, the Commissioner assured that with a blockchain system adapted exclusively for this registry process, many technical problems can be solved and costs drastically reduced. “We have this record of all these licenses, but some days later, we do not know with great clarity what is being used and what is not being used. So, if you put this in a public blockchain you would have this record of where the demand is and for what airwaves”.
Rosenworcel said she feels in favor of this measure and that the agency is studying all the possible scenarios for the implementation of the plan. The proposal has been formally made to the capitol, as well as to different technological companies dedicated to the management of communications networks.
Despite this, the company is not only evaluating the blockchain system for the solution of tedious processes in the FCC, but it is also seeking to enable or improve current databases for more efficient ones. Some representatives say that the blockchain system may not be necessary during a period of 5 to 10 years.
By María Rodríguez
