The announcement follows the recent decision by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make parts of the millimetre wave spectrum available for licensed and unlicensed use.
The FCC’s decision opens up 3.85GHz of licensed spectrum and 7GHz of unlicensed spectrum. There will be a licensed Upper Microwave Flexible Use service at 27.5 to 28.35GHz, 37 to 38.6GHz and 38.6 to 40GHz, as well as a new unlicensed band at 64 to 71GHz.
The FCC says its move will set a ‘strong foundation’ for the advancement to next-generation 5G networks and technologies in the US and provide ‘vital clarity’ for business investment.
The Advanced Wireless Research Initiative includes an $85m investment in advanced wireless testing platforms by a public-private effort involving NSF and more than 20 technology companies and associations. Meanwhile, NSF plans to invest another $350m over the next seven years in academic research that can use these testing platforms. These platforms and the research supported on them, it continues, advanced wireless technology ideas to be tested and developed.
Last year, the University of Surrey opened the 5G Innovation Centre, pictured, said to be the world’s largest academic research centre dedicated to next generation mobile and wireless connectivity. The centre, which will house more than 170 researchers, is backed with £70m of investment.