FCC unanimously approves order on unlicensed use of mid-band spectrum, offering boost for Internet of Things growth

The Federal Communications Commission today unanimously approved a proposal long championed by Commissioner Michael O’Rielly to open up mid-band spectrum for unlicensed use, which Chairman Ajit Pai and other members said will enable dramatic growth in the Internet of Things while accounting for security issues raised by critics.

Pai said the order “will play a major role in the growth of the Internet of Things, connecting appliances and other things, and industrial sensors for manufacturing. … At the same time...