A Personal Promise That Shaped the Future
In 1995, John Coates experienced a devastating loss: his firstborn daughter succumbed to a neural tube disorder. Rather than surrender to grief, John channeled his pain into purpose. He made a solemn vow to his daughter—to “fight the ignorance” that had taken her life and to protect other families from similar preventable harm.
This promise led John to found RF Safe in 1998, a pioneering organization dedicated to exposing the risks of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and creating technology to minimize those dangers. Over the years, RF Safe introduced innovative solutions—from belly bands for pregnant women to air-tube headsets and anti-radiation phone cases—all aimed at one goal: making wireless technology safer without sacrificing convenience or performance.
Yet, among RF Safe’s many contributions, one stands out for its impact on global wireless standards: the Vortis Antenna.
The Problem: Isotropic Exposure and Its Risks
In the early era of mobile phones, isotropic antennas were the industry standard. These antennas radiate signal uniformly in all directions, ensuring widespread connectivity at a time when cell towers were fewer and farther between. The downside? Increased radiation exposure for users, especially around the head during calls.
Worse, the FCC’s “isotropic rule” essentially mandated these antennas, prioritizing network uniformity above individual safety. Few questioned whether this standard exposed users to unnecessary risks—until John Coates’ antenna innovation for cell phones came along.
Inventing the “Impossible” Antenna
Inspired by his studies of wave interference and driven by his personal mission, John developed the technology behind the Vortis Antenna (originally called the no-wave, an interferometric array antenna for cell phones). This revolutionary design tackled isotropic radiation head-on:
- Reduced Radiation Near the Head
- By leveraging interference patterns, the Vortis Antenna canceled out harmful radiation directed at the user’s head while maintaining signal strength to the network.
- Improved Accessibility
- Traditional isotropic antennas often caused disruptive noise in hearing aids. The Vortis Antenna’s directional approach eliminated much of this interference, making phones more accessible to individuals with hearing impairments.
From the start, the Vortis Antenna defied industry norms—and it was, in fact, technically illegal to deploy. The FCC’s isotropic rule rendered John’s invention noncompliant, leaving manufacturers with no incentive to adopt a safer design.
Jim Johnson’s Role: Hearing Aid Interference as a Key Issue
While John’s primary focus was reducing radiation exposure, telecommunications expert Jim Johnson saw another angle: the Vortis Antenna could dramatically reduce interference for hearing aid users. By highlighting this benefit, Jim helped transform the Vortis Antenna into a dual-purpose innovation—one that addressed both user safety and equal access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Challenging the Isotropic Rule: A Regulatory Breakthrough
In 2003, the FCC revisited its regulations in the “Matter of Section 68.4(a) of the Commission’s Rules Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Telephones.” During this review, they examined antennas like the Vortis. For the first time, regulators acknowledged the profound advantages of directional designs:
“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.”
With this recognition, the isotropic rule was effectively overturned—opening the door for safer antenna designs across the entire wireless industry.
A Game-Changer for Public Safety
The end of the isotropic rule had far-reaching impacts:
- Reduced Radiation Exposure: Phones could finally employ directional antennas, minimizing unnecessary radiation near the user’s head.
- Improved Battery Life: By focusing signals where needed, directional antennas wasted less power, extending battery life.
- Enhanced Network Performance: Reducing stray radiation also cut down on interference, boosting overall efficiency.
- Increased Accessibility: Hearing aid compatibility standards were elevated, making mobile communications more inclusive for millions.
John’s determination—and his willingness to challenge entrenched norms—set a new precedent for user-focused design in wireless technology.
A Promise Kept: No Financial Gain, Maximum Impact
Despite the Vortis Antenna’s enormous commercial potential, John never profited from the invention. He transferred patent rights to Jim Johnson, motivated solely by his vow to protect the public.
“I made a promise to my daughter—to fight the ignorance that took her from me. The Vortis Antenna was part of that fight, to keep others safe.”
—John Coates
This selflessness remains a defining aspect of RF Safe. John’s royalty-free approach to the technology behind the Vortis Antenna enabled the widespread adoption of beamforming technologies and directional antennas—ensuring that the technology’s benefits reached as many people as possible through performance improvements.
The Lasting Legacy of RF Safe
- Regulatory Influence
- By confronting the isotropic rule, RF Safe spurred a paradigm shift in how antennas are designed and regulated.
- Consumer Empowerment
- RF Safe’s SAR comparison database and ongoing advocacy continue to educate the public about radiation risks, helping users make informed decisions.
- Leading-Edge Innovations
- From belly bands for pregnant mothers to air-tube headsets and anti-radiation phone cases, RF Safe consistently introduced market-first solutions for EMR safety.
- Scientific Advocacy
- RF Safe supports and disseminates research on EMR’s biological effects, ensuring the conversation remains grounded in science and public health.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Manufacturers
Although the Vortis Antenna patent has expired, John’s design—and the principles behind it—remain as relevant in the 5G, 6G, and 7G era as ever. He challenges manufacturers today:
“We have the tools to make wireless technology safer. There’s no excuse not to use them.”
Adopting directional antenna technology is not merely a technical upgrade—it’s a moral obligation. As our reliance on wireless devices grows, so does our responsibility to ensure these devices are safe for users and accessible to all.
A Fight Worth Fighting
John Coates’ journey is a testament to the power of vision, integrity, and compassion. By questioning outdated norms and pioneering a life-saving innovation, he ensured that wireless technology could evolve without sacrificing public health.
For John, the breakthrough with the Vortis Antenna wasn’t about recognition or profit. It was about honoring a promise—to shield others from the preventable harm he had witnessed firsthand. Today, that promise lives on in RF Safe’s continued efforts to push for greater safety standards, educate consumers, and empower innovation.
As we look to the wireless future, John’s story reminds us that real progress is measured not by corporate earnings or widespread adoption alone, but by the lives we protect and the promises we keep.
Key Takeaways
- The Isotropic Rule: Once mandated uniform signal radiation, inadvertently increasing user exposure.
- The Vortis Antenna: John Coates’ revolutionary design that reduced harmful radiation patterns and hearing aid interference.
- Regulatory Impact: Overturning the isotropic rule led to safer, more efficient wireless designs industry-wide.
- RF Safe’s Ongoing Mission: Continues to advocate for safe wireless solutions and informed consumer choices.
- A Moral Obligation: Manufacturers have the means to produce safer technology; the challenge now lies in the will to do so.
By John Coates and RF Safe
Because safer wireless technology shouldn’t be optional—it should be the standard
