FCC Report Supports Use of White Spaces For Wireless

After the FCC's tests mentioned early last month, andy1307 submits word of the FCC's report (released Friday), writing that "the major telcos disagree with the FCC's report that concluded that using white spaces to provide free wireless internet 'would not cause major interference with other services. ... The FCC concluded that sufficient technical protections would prevent major problems.' FCC chairman Kevin Martin's proposal is to auction off the spectrum, with some rules attached. 'Some of the spectrum would be used for free Internet service, which would have content filters to block material considered inappropriate for children.'"

Comments

Re:US of China?

[Saroset]

School districts commonly employ filters to block porn, video games, and pretty much any content they don't feel should be viewed during school. That is what I consider a legitimate use, as the idea behind it is good. Unfortunately, they also commonly block large numbers of legitimate web pages.

I was referring to the Gov't content filters in China.

Filters? Whose filters?

[demiurge11]

Who would manage these content filters? Could they be used to block subversive content as well?

Re:US of China?

[buddyglass]

Free broadband is essentially the same as broadcast TV. There are content restrictions on broadcast TV for the same reason they're proposing there be content restrictions on this free net access. Obviously they're going to be much less effective on the net access, but the motivation for putting them there is valid in both cases.

Re:FCC's job is to manage spectrum, not preach!

[gsgriffin]

If it was the government responsibility to provide internet and free internet was a right of yours, then I would agree. I see this form of internet not replacing my home connection but rather providing a tool while out and about. When I'm out shopping, it would be nice to access my PDA and see what the competition's prices are online. When I'm on the road and need an address or phone number, it would be great to not have to pay cellular companies huge amount of money for a simple web access. If the only thing they are blocking is porn, fine! Do porn on your access that you pay for. I could get my email without a cell phone or Blackberry. I could even Skype call from my PDA? When I get home and have huge files to download, use the cable or DSL.