WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission approved a proposal on Thursday that would open vast amounts of unused broadcast television airwaves for high-speed wireless broadband networks and other unlicensed applications.
The change in available airwaves, which were freed up by the conversion of television signals from analog to digital, constitutes the first significant block of spectrum made available for unlicensed use by the F.C.C. in 20 years.
It was a victory that did not come easily, or quickly, however. The F.C.C. first approved a similar measure in 2008, but the technical requirements for unlicensed devices drew objections from 17 companies or groups on both sides of the issue, forcing the commission to redraft its proposal.
While computer and Internet companies like Google, Microsoft and Dell favored the idea, television broadcasters worried about possible interference problems.
The new order eliminates a requirement that devices scan the airwaves for available signals. Rather, they can rely on a database of digital signals, updated daily, for use in locating an available channel on which to transmit.
The order also contains provisions that seek to guarantee that wireless microphones have adequate space to operate without interference.
Supporters of the measure hope the airwaves will be used for stronger and faster wireless networks — known as “super Wi-Fi” because of the signals’ ability to pass more easily through obstacles — and for use in providing Internet access to rural areas.
“Today’s order finally sets the stage for the next generation of
wireless technologies to emerge and is an important victory for
Internet users across the country,” Richard Whitt, telecommunications
and media counsel in Google’s Washington office, said in a posting on
the company’s public policy blog.
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Continua qui: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/24/business/24fcc.html