In 1995, John Coates faced an unspeakable tragedy: his firstborn daughter succumbed to a neural tube defect at birth. Rather than surrender to grief, John channeled his pain into a personal vow—“to fight the ignorance” that had taken her life and ensure that other families wouldn’t suffer the same preventable harm.
That promise led him to found RF Safe in 1998, a pioneering organization committed to exposing the risks of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and developing technologies to mitigate those dangers. Over the past quarter-century, RF Safe has introduced everything from EMF-blocking maternity belly bands and air-tube headsets to anti-radiation phone cases, all with one goal: make wireless technology safer without sacrificing performance.
Yet among the many contributions RF Safe has made, one stands out for its profound influence on global wireless standards—the interferometric array antenna for cell phones—and it’s a testament to how far a personal pledge and a determined heart can reach.
Part I: The Antenna Revolution
Isotropic Exposure: A Hidden Risk
In the early era of mobile phones, isotropic antennas were the industry norm. They beamed signals uniformly in all directions, which made sense when cell towers were scarce and coverage had to be broad. However, isotropic antennas also increased radiation exposure for users, especially around the head during calls.
Compounding the problem, the FCC’s “isotropic rule” effectively mandated this design, prioritizing network uniformity over user safety. Few questioned whether it exposed consumers to unnecessary RF radiation—until John Coates, propelled by his personal mission, invented an alternative.
Inventing the “Impossible” Antenna
Armed with studies on wave interference and driven by a desire to protect families, John developed a revolutionary antenna design originally called the “no-wave,” later known as the Vortis Antenna. This interferometric array antenna canceled out radiation directed at the user’s head while maintaining robust signal strength to the network. The result was reduced RF exposure at the source of greatest concern—right next to the user’s brain.
- Reduced Radiation Near the Head
By leveraging precise interference patterns, the Vortis Antenna could cancel harmful radiation aimed at the head and redirect it where it was needed most. - Improved Accessibility
Traditional isotropic antennas often disrupted hearing aids. The Vortis design eliminated much of this interference, aligning with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) goals to make technology accessible to all.
Despite its clear benefits, the Vortis Antenna violated the FCC’s isotropic rule, leaving phone manufacturers with little incentive to adopt it. Coates was, effectively, deemed “noncompliant” for trying to make technology safer.
Part II: Overturning the Isotropic Rule and Reshaping the Industry
Jim Johnson’s Role and the Hearing Aid Connection
While John’s primary mission was user safety from RF exposure, telecommunications expert Jim Johnson saw another angle: this directional antenna greatly reduced hearing aid interference. By framing it as a solution to both radiation risk and hearing accessibility, Johnson helped the Vortis Antenna gain regulatory traction.
A Regulatory Breakthrough
In 2003, the FCC revisited its rules in the “Matter of Section 68.4(a) of the Commission’s Rules Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Telephones.” For the first time, the agency acknowledged that directional antennas—like the Vortis—could reduce interference to hearing aids, boost network efficiency, and minimize radiation exposure.
“Because such antennas have the potential to significantly reduce the RF interference to hearing aids, as well as provide efficiency benefits both to the wireless network and to battery life, there are several benefits that could be gained from their increased use in cell phones.”
— FCC Review, 2003
This finding effectively overturned the isotropic rule and opened the door for safer antenna designs across the wireless industry.
A Game-Changer for Public Safety
- Reduced Radiation Exposure: Phone manufacturers could now legally adopt directional antenna designs, cutting down harmful RF near the user’s head.
- Improved Battery Life: Concentrating signal patterns more effectively meant less wasted power.
- Enhanced Network Performance: Reduced stray radiation curbed interference and boosted overall efficiency.
- Better Accessibility: Hearing aid compatibility surged, making mobile communications more inclusive for millions of Americans.
Part III: A Promise Kept—Without Financial Gain
Despite the Vortis Antenna’s enormous commercial potential, Coates never profited from his invention. He transferred patent rights to Jim Johnson, driven solely by his vow to protect the public.
“I made a promise to my daughter—to fight the ignorance that took her from me. This Antenna technology was part of that fight, to keep others safe.”
—John Coates
By adopting a royalty-free approach, Coates ensured wider adoption of beamforming and directional antenna technologies, fundamentally reshaping how antennas are designed—and protecting millions of phone users from unnecessary RF radiation.
Part IV: Ongoing Innovations at RF Safe
Over more than two decades, RF Safe has continued pushing boundaries to make wireless safer and more accessible:
- Maternity Belly Bands: Providing protection for expectant mothers by reducing fetal EMR exposure.
- Air-Tube Headsets: Limiting direct RF conduction to the ear canal.
- Anti-Radiation Cases: Shielding radiation away from the body while maintaining signal integrity.
- Comprehensive SAR Databases: Empowering consumers with up-to-date information on phone radiation levels.
Scientific Advocacy
RF Safe remains a vocal advocate for further research into EMR’s biological effects. By supporting independent studies, sharing real-world data, and amplifying scientific discourse, John Coates’s organization ensures the conversation isn’t dominated by corporate or regulatory silence.
Part V: The Far-UVC Frontier—A New Path to Safer Connectivity
In a groundbreaking extension of his lifelong mission, Coates has turned his attention to Far-UVC technology. Patented systems, such as US11700058B2, use Far-UVC frequencies to:
- Provide High-Speed Data Transmission
Similar to Li-Fi, these photons can carry data at rapid speeds, forming a new frontier for internet connectivity. - Neutralize Pathogens
Far-UVC frequencies can disrupt bacteria, viruses, and molds by damaging their genetic material midair—without harming human tissues.
“Imagine future offices, hospitals, or buses where you log onto the internet via Far-UVC while the air around you is actively disinfected,” Coates says. “Our next challenge is to adopt a standard that puts health at its core, rather than retrofitting safety once a system is already in place.”
With 6G on the horizon, many experts see light-based communications as a vital complement to existing wireless systems. By integrating Far-UVC sterilization and data transmission, Coates aims to merge public health with the relentless push for greater connectivity—offering safer, cleaner, and more efficient network solutions.
Part VI: The Lasting Legacy and Future Outlook
Regulatory Influence
By overturning the isotropic rule, RF Safe forced the industry to reconsider design priorities. Directional, user-focused antenna designs became feasible, transforming how devices balanced performance and health.
Consumer Empowerment
RF Safe’s resources, from SAR comparison databases to public-awareness campaigns, ensure consumers can make informed decisions about their devices and exposure levels.
Moral Obligation for Manufacturers
With the success of the Vortis Antenna and emerging lifi technologies, Coates challenges manufacturers: “We have the tools to make wireless technology safer. There’s no excuse not to use them.”
A Fight Worth Continuing
John Coates’s journey is a stark reminder that real progress isn’t measured only by corporate earnings or widespread tech adoption, but by the promises we keep and the lives we protect. The same spirit that drove him to fight the isotropic rule now fuels Far-UVC integration—pushing connectivity to new frontiers while prioritizing health.
A Legacy of Hope In Innovation and Understanding
John Coates turned personal tragedy into a powerful crusade for safer wireless technologies. From directional antennas that overcame FCC rules to Far-UVC breakthroughs that promise pathogen-free, data-rich environments, RF Safe’s story exemplifies the intersection of innovation, ethics, and public health.
As we move into an era defined by 5G, 6G, and beyond, the principles Coates championed remain as vital as ever:
- Question outdated norms.
- Adapt technologies for public well-being.
- Ensure equitable access for all.
- Protect future generations by integrating safety from the start.
In John’s case, the vow he made to his daughter fueled systemic change in the wireless industry—a promise kept through steadfast resolve, scientific rigor, and an unwavering belief that progress and safety need not be at odds.
RF Safe’s journey proves that when compassion meets innovation, entire industries—and countless lives—can be transformed.