To stay competitive, home design and build industries need faster fixed connections to the Internet of Things, according to the FCC. Companies need to build fiber to the home, part of the telecommunications infrastructure, to enable state-of-the-art consumer gagets and appliances that can be controlled virtually. Some of these, such as homesmart refrigerators and ovens are in big demand among new homeowners. For these to work, the appliances need to be connected to energy management devices. These devices, in turn, are contolled by smart phones–no matter how far away geographically.

The FCC has promised to work with industry to “lift barriers” blocking companies from increasing bandwidth. FCC is streamlining and has eliminated the previously required reviews of infrastructure siting. This move reduces costs and delays for homebuilders and others during construction. In addition, FCC is directing the build out of networks and encouraging fiber providers to continue laying the fiber backbone required for the Internet of Things to work in new homes across the United States.

IoT User Stats

“At home, a typical family of four already needs a network that can handle 7 connected devices” the FCC chairman told an audience in Texas on June 30. “Consumer demand for reliably fast Internet will continue to increase dramatically as more devices are connected.” Private companies, as well, are converting to the Internet of Things. The water industry, for example, is incorporating smart sensors into its water systems to identify leaks and send the location of the pipes to a central communications center.

Internet of Things on the Rise Among Homebuyers and Companies