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FCC Will Test Internet Over TV Airwaves, Again

Posted by Zonk on from the automagic-for-the-people dept.

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.'"

6 of 86 comments (clear)

  1. During peak times by kcbanner · · Score: 3, Funny

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

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    Obligatory blog plug: http://www.caseybanner.ca/
    1. Re:During peak times by weak* · · Score: 5, Funny

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

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      The Schwartz space ain't from Spaceballs.
  2. Re:Rural internet is sort of a joke anyhow by MacarooMac · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

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    "He Who Dares Wins" ...or gets twenty-to-life for totaling their Bimmer on a poodle parade
  3. Re:Mostly benefits rural areas by stranger_to_himself · · Score: 4, Funny

    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?

  4. Re:Detection should be easy by Wingnut64 · · Score: 4, Funny

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

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    echo 'Header append X-HD-DVD "0x09f911029d74e35bd84156c5635688c0"' >> /etc/apache2/httpd.conf
  5. Makes Perfect Sense by nick_davison · · Score: 3, Funny

    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.