FCC Opens the White Space for Broadband

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) approved the use of unlicensed portions of the airwaves. These portions, known as "white spaces" will be used to deliver broadband service wirelessly.



While there are obvious benefits, like easier access to broadband in rural areas, the fear is that the use of this part of the spectrum will interfere with normal broadcast television. Not only is there fear of interference of TV signals, but anything wireless.

Just because my vacuum cleaner interferes with my current TV signal, does that mean that we should stop the use of vacuum cleaners? Just as there are filters that can keep the noise from your vacuum from reaching your TV screen, there exists technology that will keep interference from ... interfering with TV signals. We can of course expect those opposed to do anything and everything to stop us from using these frequencies. Perhaps if we had them live in Rural Town, USA where dial up is the only internet option, they might reconsider their objections.

Having more options for the internet is a good thing. This can only help to drive the cost of using the internet down, as competition is sure to increase. The internet through these channels could possibly even be free, and who is going to say no to free internet? Exactly.

Check out our reviews of all the web services and laptops that could benefit from a little white space. And don't forget these other blog posts, which are predominantly black text on white space, so it's related...see?

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