FCC Plans to Allow Wireless Networking on Unused TV Channels

RKBA writes "Federal regulators have endorsed a plan to use vacant TV bandwidth for wireless Internet connections. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell says it would 'dramatically increase' the availability and quality of wireless Internet connections -- especially for people in rural areas. Powell says it would be like 'doubling the number of lanes on a congested highway.' But TV broadcasters oppose the proposal. They argue that it would interfere with over-the-air television signals for millions of people. The FCC commissioners voted unanimously to begin the lengthy rulemaking process for the plan."

Comments

Makes sense...

[Radi-0-head]

There are what, 69 television broadcast channels available? Even with a high-gain yagi on the roof, I only get a handful in my local area (San Diego) plus another handful from LA and the surrounding areas.

The other 55 or so channels are just static... begging to be used.

I for one welcome our new broadband-in-place-of TV overlords.

Re:Makes sense...

[LostCluster]

The other 55 or so channels are just static... begging to be used.

The problem is, just because you see static overpowering any useful signal doesn't always mean that there isn't a weak one there.

What may be an unused channel number to you could be a used one in the next TV-zone over... therefore too much of another signal on that channel might interfere with some people on the edge of the coverage range.

These devices are most certainly are going to need to be "smart" in determining what an "unused" channel really is...

Re:FCC: Government actually working right?

[LostCluster]

Uhm, the biggest loosening of the rules on media conglomerates in recent memory happened in 1996 under Bill Clinton's watch...

Mike hasn't really had much to do with that.