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FCC To Expand Wireless Spectrum

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the well-isn't-that-nice-of-them dept.

Makarand writes "According to this article in the SF Chronicle the FCC will expand the wireless spectrum to push broadband into rural areas. However, consumer groups were quick to point out that these frequencies are not powerful enough to handle long range broadband communications. They want the FCC to open lower frequencies that can penetrate through walls and trees for wireless applications in rural areas."

4 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. You don't want much more power! by Garak · · Score: 5, Informative

    You don't want much more power, not only for security reasons but for frequency reuse!

    Keeping the power down lets you use the same frequencys over and over again in the same city. If you went with more power and lower frequencys you would interfear with people accross town using the same frequencys.

    You don't need more power to go the distance. For point to point links you can use high gain dish's to go the distance. To cover larger areas you just deploy lots of cheap lower power access points/routers.

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    God, root, what is the difference?
  2. Chart of radio frequencies circa 1996 by LuxFX · · Score: 4, Informative

    It isn't current, but here is a chart (PDF)
    that shows how the radio bands were divided up in 1996.

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    Punctanym: alternate spelling of words using punctuation or numerals in place of some or all of its letters; see 'leet'
  3. lower frequencies by GigsVT · · Score: 4, Informative

    Lower frequencies that can penetrate walls and trees aren't likely going to give you anything you'd consider broadband speeds. You might be able to get a couple Mbits at 900Mhz, but once you get more than a few people sharing it, it's not going to be so hot. To go even lower means less and less bandwidth available.

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    I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
  4. "New" spectrum is useless for wireless broadband by Brett+Glass · · Score: 3, Informative

    Unfortuantely, while the FCC is giving lip service to wireless broadband, its proposed rules actually hurt it rather than help it. The "new" spectrum can't be used outdoors, and the transmitters have to shut up if a signal that looks anything like radar is detected. (Can you say "DoS attack," boys and girls? I knew you could.) What's more, older transmitters operating on that band would have to be removed. So, the FCC's proposed rules are a step backward, not a step forward.