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As network-connected devices proliferate, demand for the wireless airwaves could outstrip supply. Here's what regulators and engineers are doing to solve the problem.

Net neutrality may be the headline-making broadband battle in Washington these days, but there’s a far bigger battle brewing at the capital — conflict over access to spectrum. Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski admitted during a visit to GigaOM’s office last month that he was surprised by the amount of time he spent learning about and dealing with spectrum policies. But as network-connected devices such as data cards, smartphones and network-connected gadgets from refrigerators to cars proliferate; the demand for spectrum could outstrip the supply.