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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.'"

4 of 86 comments (clear)

  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. Rural internet is sort of a joke anyhow by SlappyBastard · · Score: 5, Informative

    A lot of companies in rural areas won't bother running what really amounts to the last mile of lines needed for DSL and cable. The reason is simple -- they will never recover the cost of running the line.

    Presently, asynchronous satellite service is the only rural high speed internet available.

    A ground-based synchronous wireless system circumvents some of that trouble, but the TV signals are sitting in the only bandwidth useful for reaching down into valleys. The truth is, VHF channels 7 and 8 are the plum spots. They have great range. They are at a low enough freqeuncy that they curve with the shape of the earth, while being high enough that they don't just suck in nearby electrical interference.

    TV sits in the coveted spot.

    --
    I scream. You scream. I assume that means we're both acquainted with the problem. We proceed.
    1. 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.

      --
      "He Who Dares Wins" ...or gets twenty-to-life for totaling their Bimmer on a poodle parade
    2. Re:Rural internet is sort of a joke anyhow by Kaeles · · Score: 5, Informative

      Not true, The ISP I work for offers a wireless connection to last mile customers.

      Towns of 300 - 400 people is what we mostly aim at, and We offer decent speeds at least.

      Anyways, I used to work for a satellite based ISP, and it just doesn't cut it quite the same.
      I know we can do a 20 mile link with 20mbps throughput and recover the cost within 6 months if we have 20 customers.

      The big companies aren't even worried about the customers or trying to recover money, they just don't care to take ANY time to spread broadband to rural areas. Its too much of a pain for them.