Fast Cheap WiFi For All - FCC Opens White Space

The "white space" spectrum that large tech giants like Google and Microsoft state would be best used for portable devices is now available to the Public. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made a major milestone yesterday as it approved the new airwaves to be opened to the public. The new airwaves will be used by the public for cheap high-speed wireless Internet access.

There has been a lot of controversy around the white space as many companies, broadcasters, lawmakers and others argued that the new airwaves would interfere with TV broadcasts and wireless microphones. After months of testing the FCC and third party companies have agreed that it will not interfere as previous thought. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and the rest of the commissioners unanimously agreed to open the new airwaves. "The FCC has taken a significant step to usher in a new era of technology, allowing for major investments in innovative wireless broadband, education, and government/enterprise applications to spur economic development," Motorola co-CEO Greg Brown stated.

Metro Hotspots to Come?

The new airwaves could allow hot spots like those already established in homes, businesses, and cities. However, unlike current Wi-Fi hotspots, the new airwaves would allow for much faster downloads over larger distances and at a very much lower cost.

Since the airwaves can transmit over much longer distances, companies could blanket neighborhoods, even cities at much lower costs to them and then passing the savings on to the consumer. Motorola stated that they hope to cover over 15 square miles with a single access point.

More Lobbying to Come?

Now that the FCC has approved the new white space, you can bet that opponents will try to reverse the FCC decision.

"Fortunately, today's vote is just the beginning of a fight on behalf of the 110 million households that rely on television for news, entertainment, and life-saving emergency information," said Dennis Wharton, executive vice-president for the National Association of Broadcasters, in a statement. "Going forward, NAB and our allies will work with policymakers to ensure that consumers can access innovative broadband applications without jeopardizing interference-free TV."