Radio spectrum for the internet of things

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to consider whether it is possible to identify the future spectrum bands most suitable for the Internet of Things (IoT) from the operating factors of a novel set of radio services for a very wide range of applications, as an aid to policy makers now facing decisions in this area. Design/methodology/approach – The approach uses characteristics of spectrum bands against the applications’ requirements to focus on specific major traits that can be matched. Findings – The main choice factors for spectrum are the practical application needs and the network cost model, and these are fairly useful as matching parameters. It is forecast that multiple bands will be needed and that these should be of a licence-exempt form to seed the unfettered innovation of IoT technologies and pre-empt the formation of significant market power by concerned interests. Practical implications – The way in which spectrum is allocated today will need to be reconsidered, in the light of evolving IoT re...