FCC Plan: Use vacant TV bandwidth for Internet

[Awimoway]

http://www.nbc5i.com/technology/3304653/detail.html

WASHINGTON -- Federal regulators have endorsed a plan to use vacant TV channels for high-speed Internet connections.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell says it would "dramatically increase" the availability and quality of wireless Internet connections -- especially for people in rural areas.

Powell says it would be like "doubling the number of lanes on a congested highway."

But TV broadcasters oppose the proposal. They argue that it would interfere with over-the-air television signals for millions of people.

The FCC commissioners voted unanimously to begin the lengthy rulemaking process for the plan.

I don't know how, exactly, this would be implemented, but Internet in my car is the holy grail, as far as I'm concerned. I heard that a startup company is going to be rolling out such a thing fairly soon but it will costs thousands of dollars. No thanks. Perhaps this FCC plan will lead to more reasonable solutions.

 

[virividox]

i wonder how many years till it gets implemented in teh field

 

[Abstract]

Probably over 10 years. Plans like this always take years upon years of studying, 2 more than needed. Plus, the study will always end up costing millions and millions of needless dollars, up in the range where most people don't really understand how such research can cost so much money. This is generally the nature of research of this sort conducted by companies of this type.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

What was missing from the news release posted here is that this is being talked about for low income areas and rural areas only. Not for the whole nation at this time according the news release i say.

A good first start.

It was pointed out that broadcasters are worried about their signal being degraded. Yeah right, most households are on cable in the urban areas anyhow.

 

[wdlove]

Increased internet availability can only be a good thing. Competition is what's needed to bring down the high costs. If this is only for rural areas the price will have to be reasonable.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Increased internet availability can only be a good thing. Competition is what's needed to bring down the high costs. If this is only for rural areas the price will have to be reasonable.

I would be all for the TV "channels" being used by the government for FREE internet wifi type of access. This would be in keeping with the freedom of the airwaves doctrine.