In a world racing toward ever more connected devices, the intersection of technology and safety is often an afterthought. But for John Coates, it has always been at the forefront. As a visionary inventor and founder of RF Safe, Coates has spent decades pushing the boundaries of wireless innovation while prioritizing public health. His journey is one of defying outdated norms, challenging regulatory barriers, and pioneering groundbreaking technologies—well before their safety and necessity were widely acknowledged.
Challenging the Norms: The Isotropic Antenna and the Isotropic Rule
In the early days of mobile technology, FCC regulations mandated the use of isotropic antennas—those that radiate signals equally in all directions. While this ensured uniform network coverage, it also subjected users to unnecessary radiation exposure, especially near the head.
John Coates saw the problem and envisioned a solution. He developed the first interferometric array antenna for cell phones, commercially known as the Vortis Antenna, which used wave interference to redirect radiation away from the user while maintaining strong signal integrity. At the time, the design was considered illegal under FCC rules, which prioritized isotropic transmission over directional efficiency.
Coates’ antenna design not only reduced exposure but also solved another critical problem: RF interference with hearing aids, which was a major accessibility issue. By working with telecommunications expert Jim Johnson and leveraging the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Coates helped demonstrate the antenna’s broader societal benefits.
The result? In 2003, the FCC revised its isotropic rule, allowing for directional antenna designs like the Vortis. This decision didn’t just improve public safety—it also paved the way for more efficient devices with extended battery life and better network performance.
“At the time, it wasn’t just about changing an antenna—it was about changing the mindset of an industry that prioritized convenience over safety,” Coates explains. “We showed that innovation could achieve both.”
Far-UV Innovations: Patented Before Safety Standards Caught Up
While Coates’ work with antennas reshaped wireless communications, his vision extended far beyond radio frequencies. Recognizing the potential of far-UV light for disinfection and data transmission, Coates patented a 219 nm far-UV communication system—a technology that operates at the fastest usable frequency within Earth’s atmospheric limits.
Why 219 nm?
- Safe for Humans: Unlike traditional UV-C wavelengths like 254 nm, which penetrate deeply into skin and tissue, 219 nm is absorbed by the outermost layers of the skin and tear film. This makes it safe for continuous use in occupied spaces.
- Highly Effective: At this wavelength, UV light can neutralize viruses and bacteria in real-time, offering a powerful solution for pandemic prevention in public spaces.
- Dual Purpose: Coates’ system integrates Li-Fi technology, allowing the same light used for disinfection to transmit data at ultrafast speeds.
When Coates patented this system, the ACGIH safety guidelines for UV exposure were still based on outdated limits. It wasn’t until 2022 that the ACGIH significantly increased permissible exposure limits for far-UV light—reflecting new research that confirmed its safety. Coates, however, had already seen the potential.
“We were ahead of the curve,” Coates says. “Our technology anticipated the updated safety standards because we designed it with both efficacy and human safety in mind.”
This innovation has applications across hospitals, schools, transportation hubs, and offices, where it offers a seamless blend of connectivity and public health protections.
First-to-Market Solutions and Open-Source Legacy
Coates has consistently led the way in introducing practical, safety-focused solutions to the market. These include:
- Air-Tube Headsets: A safer alternative to traditional headsets, designed to keep radiation away from the head.
- Anti-Radiation Phone Cases: Engineered to redirect radiation without amplifying the phone’s signal output, ensuring both safety and performance.
- Laptop Radiation Shields: Introduced during the early 2000s to protect users’ abdomens from EMF exposure, later discontinued when Wi-Fi made shielding less practical.
Despite his commercial success, Coates has also embraced an open-source ethos, prioritizing public health over profit. By sharing his innovations—like the Vortis Antenna, which is now royalty-free—he has enabled manufacturers worldwide to adopt safer designs without financial barriers.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about making money—it’s about making a difference,” Coates says. “If the technology is out there, I want it to be used to protect people.”
Pioneering the Future of Wireless Safety
Even as the world accelerates toward 5G, 6G, and beyond, Coates remains a vocal advocate for safer wireless technologies. He has consistently called for:
- Updated FCC Guidelines: Current standards focus solely on thermal effects, ignoring decades of research on non-thermal risks like DNA damage and oxidative stress.
- Renewed Research: Following groundbreaking studies by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Ramazzini Institute, Coates has pushed for continued investigation into EMR’s long-term health impacts.
- Local Autonomy: Coates advocates for amending the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which prevents communities from considering health concerns when approving cell tower placements.
Through RF Safe, Coates continues to educate consumers, lawmakers, and industry leaders about the importance of science-based safety standards.
Looking Ahead
From revolutionizing antenna design to pioneering far-UV communication systems, John Coates has consistently been a step ahead of both the industry and the regulators. His innovations, once considered radical, have become benchmarks for safer, smarter technology.
As new wireless networks and technologies emerge, Coates reminds us of the importance of balancing progress with public health.
“Innovation isn’t just about what’s possible—it’s about what’s responsible,” Coates says. “Technology should connect us, not compromise us.”
With a legacy built on pushing boundaries and breaking barriers, Coates and RF Safe are lighting the way toward a future where connectivity and safety go hand in hand.