How PoE Security Resolves the 902-928 MHz Conundrum

NextNav, a geolocation company, has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reallocate the 902 through 928 MHz frequency band of the 900 MHz spectrum for its 3D positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology with future 5G integration. The lower end of the 900 MHz spectrum is currently used for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) devices and licensed services for location and monitoring (LMS). The US military and amateur radio operators also use the low end of the 900 MHz spectrum. Opponents of the filing argue that the change will increase interference and weaken security in the designated frequency band.

As uncertainty around the 900 MHz band grows, organizations are reassessing how they design and protect their security and IoT infrastructures. Power over Ethernet (PoE) security solutions offer a proven, future-ready alternative that reduces dependence on crowded wireless spectrum while improving reliability and control.

The 902-928 MHz Spectrum Controversy

NextNav’s proposal asks the FCC to exchange its current spectrum license for a single, nationwide 15-megahertz one in the 902-928 MHz band. According to NextNav, the change would provide a 3D PNT service that can operate indoors where GPS signals are unreliable. Opponents of the petition argue that the NextNav request will render the lower end of the spectrum unusable because of increased interference.

Current Uses of the 902-928 MHz Band

The 902-928 MHz band is reserved for the Americas and is widely used because of its stronger signals ability that can penetrate buildings, terrain, and dense foliage. This characteristic makes it attractive for walkie-talkies, RFID tags, sensors, alarms, and amateur radio operations. Within the band, segments 901-902, 930-931, and 940-941 are allocated for two-way paging, text-based services, and remote monitoring. These frequencies are part of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) spectrum.

NextNav Technology

NextNav uses a network of land-based transmitters or existing 5G infrastructures to broadcast encrypted signals. Receivers use the timed signals to calculate an object’s longitude, latitude, and altitude. Operating at the lower Megahertz provides a stronger signal that can penetrate buildings better than the existing Global Positioning System (GPS).

What is the Petition’s Status?

NextNav’s petition to reconfigure the 900 MHz band for terrestrial GPS backup remains under FCC review. The original petition was filed in April 2024 and was issued for public comment in August. Opposition was overwhelming, with many industries forming coalitions to oppose the petition. From August 2024 to March 2025, NextNav and the opposing coalitions filed documents supporting their positions.

The FCC released a request for comment in March 2025 and is reviewing the information, but has not made a final decision nor initiated a formal rulemaking process. In November 2025, a coalition of public safety organizations filed comments, expressing concerns should the NextNav request be granted.

Preparing for the Unknown

The Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly increased the use of the lower 900 MHz spectrum, especially in manufacturing and health care. These devices, whether sensors, alarms, or health monitors, are crowding the spectrum, raising concerns for cybersecurity and reliable performance. Regardless of the FCC’s final decision, the ongoing use of the 901-960 MHz band faces crowding and congestion as the IoT market continues to grow. Opponents of NextNav’s petition believe it will exacerbate the overcrowding.

For example, security companies use the frequency for wireless door contacts, motion sensors, and panic buttons because it penetrates walls more effectively than Wi-Fi. City planners use long-range (LoRa) solutions to read water meters and control traffic signals. Interference, whether a 3D PNT solution or a deluge of IoT devices, can jeopardize reliability and security.

As spectrum congestion increases, organizations must consider alternatives that reduce exposure to wireless uncertainty.

How Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Security Reduces the Risk

PoE technology sends power and data over a single Ethernet cable to PoE-enabled devices. Since the initial standard was published, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has continued to advance the technology to support gigabits-per-second data rates and devices that require up to 90W of electricity.

PoE security solutions can reliably power motion sensors and surveillance cameras while transmitting high-resolution images over industrial cable or fiber rather than radio waves. They can manage access control readers, lighting, and alarms for more secure entry. Within factories, PoE technology can connect IoT devices such as environmental sensors to ensure a safe factory floor.

PoE Cellular Gateways

PoE Cellular Gateways provide internet connectivity through 4G and 5G cellular networks while delivering power and data over an Ethernet cable. Cellular spectrums are protected, unlike radio waves, minimizing interference and maximizing uptime. With PoE gateways, businesses can ensure operational integrity regardless of the FCC’s ruling.

PoE Switches

Managed and unmanaged PoE switches serve as the backbone for reliable network performance. While unmanaged switches operate as simple plug-and-play devices, managed switches offer complete control, security, remote management, and traffic prioritization. Layer 3 switches support Layer 2 MAC addressing as well as the intelligent capabilities of a router. They support gigabit throughput for next-generation expansion.

Smart factories, buildings, and cities can use wired PoE switches for mission-critical transmissions while leveraging existing wireless connectivity for routine operations. Healthcare facilities can use managed switches to control operating rooms, intensive care units, and emergency services through fiber or Ethernet cabling.

PoE Extenders

PoE extenders increase the transmission range of a PoE device beyond its 328-foot limit. They function as repeaters, allowing PoE devices to operate in remote locations. Cascading extenders boost signals to achieve even greater distances. Interference, whether from crowded frequency bands or NextNav licensing, is avoided by using the wired capabilities of PoE technology.

How PoE Secures the Future

Uncertainty often paralyzes businesses. They perform risk assessments, trying to find the appropriate path. Sometimes, they do nothing, or they dilute their resources trying to prepare for all possible outcomes. For many organizations, the 902-928 controversy presents such a conundrum.

PoE technology offers a solution that protects the future regardless of the FCC’s decision. Organizations that have invested heavily in IoT devices operating at the low 900 MHz band can leverage existing infrastructure for non-critical functions. They can replace wireless connections with wired solutions to ensure continuous operation.

Because PoE switches can detect non-enabled devices, companies can begin strengthening their infrastructure by deploying PoE switches that provide Layer 3 security features. They can replace devices as needed to address frequency interference and improve reliability. Extenders can replace wireless links when reliability matters, even at a distance.

By reducing dependence on an increasingly congested wireless spectrum, Versa’s PoE solutions help organizations build reliable, scalable, and secure networks—regardless of how the FCC ultimately rules on the 902–928 MHz band controversy.