The Shift to Light-Based Communications: A Path to Safer, Smarter Cities

“If the goal is truly smart cities, then our communication systems must prioritize not just speed and efficiency, but also safety and sustainability.”

In just 300 years, humanity has gone from Samuel Morse’s first telegraph message to a world connected by 5G networks and satellite internet. This rapid progress in communication technology has transformed society, yet it has also left us grappling with unintended consequences—from outdated safety guidelines to regulatory barriers that hinder meaningful change.

The transition from radio-frequency (RF) communications to light-based systems, such as Li-Fi and Far-UVC networks, represents a critical next step for technological evolution. Not only do these systems offer safer and more secure data transmission, but they also address public health concerns by avoiding RF-related hazards and, where needed, incorporating germicidal properties.

But to make this transition, we must address the systemic issues holding us back, including outdated FCC guidelines, legislative barriers, and the growing body of evidence pointing to non-thermal hazards associated with RF technologies.

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The Case for Change: RF Safety and Outdated FCC Guidelines

1. Non-Thermal Hazards: Ignoring the Science

Over the past few decades, thousands of studies have raised concerns about the non-thermal effects of RF radiation—effects that occur at exposure levels below those that cause measurable heating of tissue. These include:

• Oxidative stress: Linked to DNA damage, inflammation, and neurological issues.
• Hormonal disruption: Emerging evidence suggests that RF exposure can affect hormone levels, including melatonin and testosterone.
• Neurological impacts: Studies have pointed to potential links between RF exposure and cognitive decline, ADHD, and behavioral changes in children.

Despite this growing body of research, regulatory bodies like the FCC have failed to act. The current RF safety guidelines—established in 1996—are over 25 years old and are based on outdated science that considers only thermal effects. In fact, in 2021, the FCC lost a court case brought by the Environmental Health Trust and other organizations, which argued that the agency had failed to provide adequate reasoning for not updating its guidelines.

2. The Telecommunications Act of 1996: A Roadblock to Local Governance

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 includes a provision that prohibits local governments from considering health concerns when deciding on the placement of wireless infrastructure, such as cell towers. This effectively silences the First Amendment rights of citizens and restricts the Tenth Amendment rights of local governments to make decisions in the best interest of their communities.

This legislation, designed to accelerate the rollout of wireless technologies, now acts as a barrier to progress. It prevents communities from raising valid concerns about RF safety and stifles innovation in safer alternatives like light-based communication systems.

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Why Light-Based Communication is the Future

1. A Safer Alternative to Radio Waves

Unlike RF technologies, light-based systems such as Li-Fi and Far-UVC networks operate in spectra that do not penetrate deeply into biological tissues. This eliminates many of the concerns associated with prolonged RF exposure. Key advantages include:

• No Non-Thermal Hazards: Visible light and Far-UVC photons interact with the outermost layers of the skin and are unable to reach deeper tissues, making them inherently safer.
• Zero-SAR: Light-based communication avoids the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) issues tied to RF, providing a radiation-free alternative for wireless networks.

2. Dual-Purpose Functionality

As demonstrated in John Coates’s US11700058B2 patent, Far-UVC light can simultaneously transmit data and sterilize air and surfaces. This dual-purpose capability is particularly valuable in:

• Hospitals and healthcare settings: Reducing the spread of airborne pathogens while maintaining secure data networks.
• Public transportation: Offering clean, connected spaces for passengers.
• Schools and offices: Protecting high-density indoor environments from both disease and RF-related risks.

3. Greater Efficiency and Security

Light-based systems provide additional benefits that make them ideal for smart cities:

• No interference: Unlike RF, Li-Fi and Far-UVC networks do not suffer from congestion or interference in high-density areas.
• Enhanced security: Light signals cannot penetrate walls, making them harder to intercept and ideal for secure communication.
• Eco-friendly: LEDs used in Li-Fi are energy-efficient and can be integrated into existing infrastructure, reducing the carbon footprint of communication networks.

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The Path Forward: Fixing the System

1. Updating FCC Guidelines

The FCC’s failure to update its safety standards is not just an oversight—it’s a dereliction of duty. To ensure public health and safety:

• Incorporate Non-Thermal Effects: New guidelines must account for the growing body of evidence on non-thermal hazards.
• Mandate Transparency: Require wireless companies to disclose the full scope of RF emissions and their potential impacts.
• Support Independent Research: Increase funding for unbiased studies on RF exposure and alternative technologies.

2. Repealing Restrictive Provisions in the Telecommunications Act

The 1996 Telecommunications Act must be amended to restore the rights of local communities to make informed decisions about wireless infrastructure. This would empower municipalities to:

• Advocate for light-based networks in high-risk areas.
• Implement stricter safety standards for wireless infrastructure.
• Pilot innovative technologies like Li-Fi and Far-UVC systems.

3. Investing in Light-Based Communication Systems

To make the leap from RF to light, governments and private industries must work together to:

• Fund Research and Development: Accelerate the commercialization of Li-Fi and Far-UVC technologies.
• Deploy Pilot Programs: Test light-based networks in schools, hospitals, and other public spaces.
• Incentivize Adoption: Offer grants or tax incentives to cities and businesses that adopt safer, light-based communication systems.

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A Vision for Smarter, Safer Cities

For smart cities to truly thrive, they must prioritize human health and environmental sustainability alongside technological progress. The shift to light-based communication represents not just an upgrade but a necessary evolution—one that eliminates the risks of RF technology and sets the stage for a cleaner, safer future.

Imagine a city where every streetlight doubles as a secure Li-Fi node, connecting devices while reducing electromagnetic smog. In high-risk areas like hospitals or public transit, Far-UVC fixtures could ensure pathogen-free air while delivering data at lightning speeds. This is the vision that innovators like John Coates are turning into reality.

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The Next Leap Forward

The transition from radio waves to light-based systems is not just a technological milestone; it’s a moral imperative. As evidence of RF-related hazards mounts and public demand for safer alternatives grows, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to rethink the way we communicate.

John Coates’s patent for germicidal light communication is a shining example of what’s possible when innovation meets foresight. By embracing technologies that protect both our health and our connectivity, we can build a future where smart cities are not just efficient, but truly safe.

The time to act is now. Let’s leave behind the entropic waste of outdated systems and step into the light.