Between streaming movies and swiping on data apps, remote work and real-time telehealth, group chats and GPS navigation, our technology can feel limitless–but the wireless signals that power them are not. Behind every text, call, livestream, and social post lies an invisible infrastructure that powers digital life as we know it: spectrum.Â
For LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized communities, digital spaces serve as lifelines—providing access to healthcare, education, employment, and social support that may be limited or unsafe in physical spaces. But without strong, equitable spectrum policies, access to these essential online resources becomes unreliable, expensive, or even impossible.
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What Is Spectrum?
Spectrum is the invisible range of radio frequencies that makes all wireless communication possible. Whether it’s a phone call, a Wi-Fi connection, or the latest 5G innovation, every piece of digital communication travels across these airwaves. Without spectrum, modern digital access wouldn’t exist.
Because spectrum is a finite resource, it is carefully allocated by the federal government to ensure it is being used efficiently. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) manages spectrum for commercial use, such as cellular networks, broadband internet, and television broadcasting. Meanwhile, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) oversees the largest portion of spectrum, around 60%, which is reserved for government functions like defense, emergency response, and air traffic control.Â
To maximize efficiency, spectrum is divided into licensed, unlicensed, and shared-use categories:
Licensed spectrum is allocated to companies like mobile carriers to provide wireless services.
Unlicensed spectrum supports Wi-Fi and other similar innovations, making connectivity accessible without requiring individual licenses.
Shared-use spectrum allows multiple users—such as businesses, government agencies, and public institutions—to operate on the same frequencies with protections against interference.
Imagine a public park where different spaces serve different needs. Licensed spectrum is like a reserved picnic area—permitted events get exclusive access, just like mobile carriers do with their frequencies. Unlicensed spectrum is the open playground, available for anyone to use freely, much like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Shared-use spectrum is the community sports field, where different groups take turns and follow rules to ensure fair access, just as businesses, public institutions, and government agencies share frequencies with protections against interference.
While there may be debates over the best use of the park—more picnic areas, bigger playgrounds, or extra time on the field—everyone agrees on one thing: the park is essential, and making sure it works for all users benefits the entire community.
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Why Does It Matter to the LGBTQ+ Community?
For LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in the many areas where affirming in-person resources are limited, spectrum is so much more than a technical issue. Reliable digital connectivity allows the members of our community to access healthcare, find community, and navigate challenges safely and equitably.
Access to Critical Services. LGBTQ+ individuals often rely on digital platforms for essential services, including telehealth, online therapy, and employment opportunities. Without robust connectivity, access to these resources becomes limited, disproportionately affecting those in rural and underserved areas.
Social Connection & Community. The internet provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ people to find support networks, especially in states where LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. Spectrum policies directly impact whether these digital spaces remain accessible and inclusive.
Safety & Privacy. A stable, high-quality internet connection ensures that LGBTQ+ individuals can access information without fear of being outed or tracked. Poor connectivity forces people onto less secure platforms, increasing risks of surveillance, discrimination, or harassment.
Fighting the Digital Divide. Many LGBTQ+ individuals—especially youth, people of color, and low-income communities—already experience disproportionate barriers to digital access. Poor spectrum management widens this gap, making it harder for marginalized communities to stay connected.
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So Who’s Responsible?
Both government and industry leaders have a shared responsibility to ensure spectrum is allocated fairly and used effectively, shaping the future of digital access for all communities.
With a new administration in place, the need for sound spectrum policy has never been more urgent. One of the primary tools for managing this critical resource is spectrum auctions—the process by which the FCC licenses specific frequency bands to commercial entities. However, the government’s authority to hold these auctions expired in 2023 and has yet to be renewed by Congress. This delay has stalled new commercial spectrum allocations at a time when data usage is surging, threatening network congestion, reduced service quality, and rising costs for consumers.
Restoring this spectrum auction authority is so much more than a bureaucratic issue. Without timely action, the gap between those with reliable, high-speed connectivity and those without will continue to grow. Policymakers must act now to renew auction authority and ensure that spectrum allocation expands access, fosters innovation, and prioritizes underserved communities rather than reinforcing existing inequalities.
Alongside this, industry leaders must continue to invest in infrastructure that expands connectivity in marginalized and underserved communities. This means building out networks in rural areas, alongside improving broadband speeds and affordability in urban neighborhoods that have long been overlooked. Companies must also ensure that their use of spectrum supports equitable access so that advancements in wireless technology benefit everyone—not just those who can afford the most premium of services.
At its core, spectrum policy is about who gets to connect, how, and at what cost. Thoughtful management of this limited resource is critical to ensuring that digital spaces remain accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all—including LGBTQ+ individuals who rely so heavily on online platforms for safety, community, and essential services.
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For more on spectrum and similar topics in the LGBTQ+ digital landscape, read our 2024 report The LGBTQ+ Digital Divide.