Universal Internet access is upon us! FCC opened white space

[LinuxMint-4]

November 4, 2008 |
Universal Internet access is upon us! FCC opened white spaces
By Matt Jansen

http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/20 ... te-spaces/


Universal Internet access is upon us! FCC opened white spaces Google and several other companies have actively been supporting the release of white space radio spectrum, but they faced opposition from television broadcasters and others. Today the FCC took a vote and unanimously supported the transition of white space radio waves into the public domain. That could mean a more powerful and reliable WiFi for everyone.

Bringing Internet access to rural areas and anywhere else wireless signals can travel sounds like an easy decision, but broadcasters and those who use wireless microphones fought the initiative aggressively. They are concerned that other devices accessing the white space frequencies will interfere with their services. It’s interesting to note though, that wireless microphones have used white space frequencies for years without any sort of official approval.

The FCC writes this in its press release (pdf):

The rules adopted today will allow for the use of these new and innovative types of unlicensed devices in the unused spectrum to provide broadband data and other services for consumers and businesses.

There are several specific guidelines mixed in with the approval, including safeguards for TV stations broadcasts and buildings that use wireless microphones. Each white space device will require a built-in geolocation device, which will connect to a database of locations that have “restricted air space”.

While this measure is certainly a step in the right direction, some of the restrictions already seem irritating. Imagine passing by an outdoor circus that’s using wireless microphones and losing service on your device until driving past that point in the geo database. It’s difficult to get a good feel for how reliable Internet access will be though, until some of the devices make it into the hands of eagerly waiting consumers.

Though the FCC supports the measure, it closes with a nod to those opposing it, “The Commission will closely oversee and monitor the introduction of TV white space devices. The Commission will act promptly to remove from the market any equipment found to be causing harmful interference and will require the responsible parties to take appropriate actions to remedy any interference that may occur.”
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[MattKingUSA]

What if the reason there is so much cancer is because we are living in a giant micro wave?

[Gomer_X]

At least we'll have awesome broadband (and wireless microphones).

The article talks about driving by a circus and having the WiFi cutout. I don't think people realize how many wireless microphones are in use. Our church probably has a dozen in use at least one day a week. Any church, school, meeting hall, club with a stage and many other places I haven't though of use wireless mics.

I wonder how extensive this database will be. Will it sense wireless mics, or will they have to be registered?