FCC Will Test Internet Over TV Airwaves, Again

Weather Storm writes "According to MSNBC.com, the FCC will try again to test prototypes on Jan. 24 for transmitting high-speed Internet service over unused television airwaves. The devices were developed by Microsoft and Motorola, among other corporate partners, and will be tested in laboratory and real-world conditions for three months. 'Last year, a high-technology coalition — which included Microsoft, Google Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., Intel Corp. among others — submitted prototypes they said could transmit broadband Internet service over unlicensed and unused TV spectrum, known as "white spaces." Television broadcasters and the wireless microphone industry say such devices could interfere with programming. The Initial prototype testing failed last July because the devices did not reliably detect and avoid TV programming signals and could have caused interference. If the tests are successful this time and the devices are approved, the coalition plans to introduce commercial devices for sale after the digital television transition in February 2009.'"

Comments

During peak times

[kcbanner]

Innocent TV watchers were bothered by flickering images of the internet appearing on their TV.

Re:During peak times

[weak*]

But not-so-innocent TV watchers were pleased to view free prOn.

Re:Rural internet is sort of a joke anyhow

[MacarooMac]

Point taken.

Over here (in "Little Britain") a large 'rural area' probably equates to a small city park in N. America - so net accessibility in remote regions is not such a big issue: we simly don't tell them the internet exists.

Re:Mostly benefits rural areas

[stranger_to_himself]

But yeah ... I fully expect to see wireless-laptop-wielding cows the next time I pass through a rural area.

But will they run Hurd?

Re:Detection should be easy

[Wingnut64]

I read your comment twice before I realized that it wasn't a joke about the declining quality of television programming.

Makes Perfect Sense

[nick_davison]

I've just signed up for fiber optic to the home. My TV signal is now getting delivered over my internet connection as IPTV - which should free up the TV spectrum to deliver internet - which I can then get IPTV on.

I think my head hurts. But I'm pretty sure we invented perpetual motion somewhere in there.

Re:Rural internet is sort of a joke anyhow

[morari]

Satellite internet is hardly a solution for those of us who don't want to live in overcrowded, noisy, polluted areas of the world. Even the best satellite internet has poor upload speeds, annoying lag (it does have to travel to and from space, after all), bandwidth limits, and flaky service during rain and snow (and sunspots). Besides, if you live in a valley or on the wrong side of a ridge, your line of sight could be less than desirable and ruin any chance of having even that kind of connection. If you're one of those people that like to watch television however, I'd always recommend satellites over cable, despite some usability issues during bad weather. :P

Companies won't run the extra bit of line because they are lazy and don't want to put out what amounts to relatively insignificant amounts of money for eventual profits. That is exactly why we need laws passed to force cable and telephone companies to remedy the problem, instead of avoiding it altogether. Saying that "hicks don't want internet" is ridiculous. We have electricity and telephone access, which were thought to be relatively unimportant outside of urban areas not too long ago. Heck, most of us even have county water nowadays (though I still prefer my well for safety purposes)! Yet some places don't even have cable television, let alone any sort of broadband.