FCC approves unlicensed use of 'white-space' UHF TV spectrum

To the delight of those companies interested in Broadband Wireless Internet, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the unlicenced use of 'White-Space' UHF TV spectrum.

However 'old media' companies are unlikely to welcome the move. This issue has pit traditional broadcasters such as Walt Disney 's ABC, CBS Corp and General Electric's NBC against high tech companies like Microsoft and Google Inc., who want the airwaves for a new generation of wireless devices.

A BBC News report quotes Google co-founder Larry Page as saying "We will soon have Wi-Fi on steroids since these spectrum signals have a much longer range than today's Wi-Fi technology"

The FCC say "The rules represent a careful first step to permit the operation of unlicensed devices in the TV white spaces and include numerous safeguards to protect incumbent services against harmful interference. The rules will allow for both fixed and personal/portable unlicensed devices."

FCC news release FCC Adopts Rules For Unlicensed Use of Television White Spaces http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-286566A1.doc

BBC News - Tech giants win white space fight
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7709775.stm