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FCC to Auction Airwaves for Inflight Internet

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the in-flight-rss dept.

maotx writes "The FCC is set to auction off existing licensed frequencies from Verizon on May 10 to provide communication services such as high-speed Internet to U.S. air travelers. Verizon is the current licensee of the range for their onboard phones found on most commercial jets. The auction will force Verizon to use the 1MHz range. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps fears that such an auction could allow a single provider to have a monopoly that could prey on consumers. The FCC is also weighing whether to allow consumers to use their own cell phones on planes."

3 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Monopoly? by Amoeba · · Score: 4, Insightful
    FCC Commissioner Michael Copps fears that such an auction could allow a single provider to have a monopoly that could prey on consumers.

    Unlike now where you have a single provider (Verizon) holding this spectrum that could prey on consumers?

    --
    Do not taunt Happy-Fun Ball
  2. Surely that's a typo by Scareduck · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ... or a misunderstanding. 1 MHz is currently in use by terrestrial AM broadcasters.

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    Dog is my co-pilot.

  3. One bird... two stones... by Shabbs · · Score: 4, Insightful

    With internet enabled airplanes... VOIP then becomes possible.

    Personally, I'd prefer no cell phones on planes at all. Too annoying for everyone else, and man - I'm already reachable everywhere else.

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    Mark