Earlier this month, a consortium of companies including Microsoft, Intel, Dell, and Google submitted a device to the Federal Communications Commission for approval that would use the so-called "white space" in the analog television spectrum for wireless Internet access. The FCC is testing the new device and will have results ready in July, according to an attorney for the companies, and the Commission could then adopt final rules for such devices in the fall of this year.
In the meantime, many people are hoping that the unused white space that exists between the individual channels will be made available for use by unlicensed devices like the prototype developed by the consortium. A bill introduced last week by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) would force the FCC to make a decision about the white space, something that the Commission has already indicated its intent to do.
Despite the recent movement towards increasing the amount of wireless spectrum available for broadband access, it appears as though we will have to wait until February 2009 for white-space devices to hit the market. Rep. Inslee's bill sets a hard deadline of February 18, 2009, although it mandates that the FCC make the spectrum available at the "earliest technically feasible date." The coalition of companies backing the prototype wireless device has said that they will not go on sale until February 2009.
Although little is known about the mysterious device, its implications are far reaching. Should the tests go well, it could have the effect of dramatically changing the broadband landscape in the US. Wireless networks using the spectrum should be relatively easy to deploy, and would provide residents of rural areas easy access to broadband while giving everyone else a third alternative to DSL and cable.
4 comments:
I think you hit the nail right on the head with the idea that whatever they do it will inevitably be something that they will monetarily profit off of. I would love to see there be more of a wide use of television/cable in areas that are not normally used. Since that is what we are all here for, radio/tv, we should want to see the advancement to everyone. Initially, wifi in the park sounds enticing, but what about those people who live right near there. What will be their motivation to actually pay for internet when they can get it for free based on proximity? I can't say I know the answer, so good luck FCC, make some money.
I think this is very interesting and I would like to see what is going to happen come February. However I would like to know more about this device, that will be used.
I think the bill introduced by Rep. Jay Inslee will help on how to use this "white space" but the FCC still needs to make an ultimate decision. I hope for our sake that new ways are created for regular people to use these channels.
funny thing you mention it Krystina, right now HP and a few handful of companies are in the process of waiting for whitespace devices. It is kinda a funny thing because it seems like these companies and the FCC are moving to making "whitespace" something that you would have to pay to use, like a month sercharge to use it. Kinda sucks because it should be something that should be free to people because they seem to be trying to milk as much money from the consumer as possible
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