FCC Vote on “White Spaces” to Be Delayed?

Besides the presidential election, November 4 marks another big vote in the US, with the Federal Communications Commission set to decide whether to open its white space – unused space between channels that produces static on televisions – for unlicensed use that could potentially allow universal broadband access throughout the US. The amount of white space will increase after the US moves to digital-only signals in February 2009 – and opening that space for all, including rural communities, could trigger a new wave of technological innovation and unfathomed wireless business opportunities, suggest Google, Microsoft and other high-tech firms. But sports teams, broadcasting companies and others that profit from licensed air waves fear interference and seek delay in the decision. In setting rules on space once deemed useless, government determines winners and losers, influencing the technological future. – YaleGlobal

FCC Vote on "White Spaces" to Be Delayed?

Cyrus Farivar
Tuesday, October 28, 2008

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