Providing 802.11 Access Across State Lines?

Posted by Cliff on Sunday January 5, 2003 @06:16AM from the seeking-the-hidden-legislative-booby-traps dept.

kmleon asks: "Where can I find decent information on how to provide wireless internet service using an unlicensed technology (such as the 802.11 variants) across a state border? There are a few hundred people in this rural area that are desperate to use our service since no one else can give them broadband, but I have no idea how to offer that without knowing if we'd be getting in trouble with who knows how many government agencies. Anyone had any experience with doing this? The problem is that all our backbone is on one side of the border, with just strong enough of a signal to give service about 2-5 miles on the other side of the border. Is it just as simple as registering the business in both states? Which agency (FCC, FTC, or other someone else) could I contact for help? None of their websites have provided me with any helpful information. Thanks for any useful input."

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its federal by coaxial · 2003-01-05 12:28 · Score: 4, Interesting

the EM spectrum is governed by federal laws. The states have no rights whatsoever over the use of the spectrum due to its inherent interstate nature.

Just think about it for a minute. Do states have big jammers along their borders that prevent you from receiving television and radio broadcasts from another state?