​AIM Europe President Frithjof Walk recently represented the RFID stakeholder community at a European Commission (EC) sponsored workshop on the efficient use of RF Spectrum in the 870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz frequency ranges.

The meeting was Chaired by Andreas Geiss, DG Connect, European Commission, and supported by Dr. Ruediger Martin, Radio Spectrum Support of DG Connect. The EC is gathering background in preparation for meetings of its radio spectrum committee.

The RFID stakeholder community contributors included AIM, RAIN - the AIM UHF RFID Alliance, GS1, and the Centre National de Référence RFID (French Center National RFID / CNRFID). The RFID community was also strongly supported by many end users and other stakeholders.

Presentations on RFID use cases calling for an establishment of the 915-921 MHz range for RFID in Europe, to achieve global harmonization, were made by Hervé d'Halluin of Decathlon, Joachim Wilkens of C&A, and Malte Schmidt of Volkswagen.  In the audience, other AIM and RAIN members from Bosch, Siemens, and Ericsson added their voices as well as other stakeholders including Airbus.

Also participating in the workshop were stakeholders from the railway and IoT communities.  For more information, contact AIM by email or phone (+1.724.742.4470)

Earlier this week, the US Energy and Commerce Committee hosted two Congressional Hearings on IoT opportunities, challenges, and cybersecurity. In addition, an IoT Showcase was available to visitors to learn about the latest IoT innovations in healthcare, utilities, and retail.

The subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Protection hosted a hearing titled, “Disrupter Series: Update on IoT Opportunities and Challenges.” The hearing highlighted the benefits of IoT and the hindrances to growing the marketplace. The recording and prepared statements from this hearing can be found here.
A second hearing hosted by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology discussed “Promoting Security in Wireless Technology”.  This meeting went into how mobile connectivity is necessary for people and businesses, and ways to protect these communities from the recent rise in cybercrime.  The recording and prepared statements from this hearing can be found here.

Both hearings provided testimonies by expert witnesses along with a Q&A session lead by members of the Energy and Commerce Congressional leadership. There was consensus that potential solutions to these issues may include business and government collaboration, development of standards, consumer education, and overcoming the shortage of a trained workforce.
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The AIM North America Public Policy Committee strives to be at the forefront of opportunities like these to create new partnerships and work items to enhance our industry. To learn more and take part in committee activities contact Mary Lou Bosco. ​