Clearing the Air

The FCC, on November 4th, approved the deregulation of unused television frequencies. As many of us know, current analog television transmissions will switch to digital in 2009 which will allow for repurposing the broadcast spectrum. These frequencies, also called "white spaces," are robust enough to carry a broadband internet connection, but before the FCC ruling, remained restricted from development. Most of the issues on the use of white space concerned interference with operating broadcast channels and the interests of current broadband providers. Technology has since caught up and allows for interference-free use, one of the stipulations for approving the measure by the FCC.

Now broadband internet access can potentially become a truly wireless service, rather than rare Wi-Fi hot spots at your local cafe. Rural communities especially will benefit from wireless access where the wire based broadband infrastructure has yet to be built. Without the need for wires broadband internet access will cost less to build and will pass savings onto the consumer. The FCC ruling will ultimately increase competition in the market and expand broadband access.

Rural areas sorely lacking from broadband access can now rejoice. Without the restrictions of wires and unwilling companies, broadband internet access can now enter remote areas. Wireless broadband will be both convenient and cheap. For the rural communities wireless broadband access will end the disenfranchisement from the information age.