In our first blog, we were introduced to how cell phone calls and emails get transmitted – over the electromagnetic spectrum, or spectrum for short. We were also informed that access to the spectrum can be compromised, either unintentionally or intentionally. The fact that this can happen but the continued fact that we are not planning for it means that we are in a state of :

Denial of Spectrum Denial.

In other words, we collectively deny (or refuse to believe) that our access to the spectrum can be compromised or denied, at least for long. This is fine when you aren’t lost for hours and hours, or you can figure out on your own what mom wanted you to buy for dinner. But, when a life is at stake (like my godfather and his pacemaker, or like a warfighter), this becomes a much more critical issue.

Since it isn’t a chronic problem (yet), the telecom industry providers – and the commercial sector in general – are not designing or building in capabilities to our smart devices to ensure our access to the spectrum. However, the problem will emerge soon; potentially in this decade (i.e., before 2030). These capabilities are very complex and will require our best and brightest minds to develop solutions for it. We will need to get very creative, be willing to break a few molds, and take on a few risks.

The Department of Defense (DoD) needs this capability now. Since our adversaries have stated openly that they intend to deny us access to the spectrum, our warfighters need capabilities today in their smart devices to enable them to use the spectrum freely and complete their missions successfully. The DoD needs a real focus on designing, developing, and deploying features in their mission systems to fortify their ability to access the spectrum. These features are called EP features – Electromagnetic Protection.

Around the turn of the 21^st century, the place where the most creative and advanced innovation came from was the DoD. Then, with the onset of the Digital Revolution, this zone of excellence literally flipped from the DoD to the commercial sector. Today, the commercial industry has the best and brightest minds working to solve problems for companies like Google, Tesla, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft and Garmin. Something as important as designing EP features should commensurately come from the commercial sector. However, here is the conundrum (and perhaps you’ve already figured it out): the commercial sector doesn’t need EP features (yet), so there is no incentive for that sector to develop them. The DoD needs EP features now, but they do not possess the right talent or the aversion to risk in research to develop the best solutions. So, EP features remain a low priority in both camps.

One day, the need for robust EP features will emerge, either from an “incident” abroad in conflict, or in spectrum limitations here in the United States. Either way, EP features will suddenly rise to the top of the priority list. Why not take steps now to see it get there?

Photo Credit: Embedded AMS