FCC approves the use of the white space spectrum for nationwide, free wireless internet
Score one for Google and company as the FCC has cleared the way for the use of the white space spectrum for free, nationwide wireless internet service. Calling the reports of interference by the opposition as being “overblown”, recent tests conducted by FCC engineers in Seattle showed that the white space could be used for wireless internet service without a significant risk of harmful interference. Bad news for T-Mobile who has vehemently opposed the plan as their recently launched 3G network, which they purchased for $4 billion a few years ago by the way, borders this white space spectrum. D’oh! The FCC is expected to finalize the rules for the usage and allocation of the spectrum in preparation for an auction sometime in early to mid-2009. Free wireless Internet access that will reach 50% of the U.S. population in four years and 95% within a decade? Bring it on!
Tags: 3G, auction, FCC, free, google, nationwide, spectrum, T-Mobile, white space, wireless internet
…interesting this gets passed just as Bush appoints a Czar, no?
“Sure… we’ll give you free internet (so that we can have easier access to your internet usage and download records).
Or maybe I’m just being silly.
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This screams patriot act, but as long as the new IP czar doesn’t know what a proxy is, we’re fine.
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Jennifer you’re right. I just want to know what the wireless carriers reaction will be to this seeing as how in less than a decade their 3G and 4G networks won’t be making any money thanks to free wi-fi access.
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This is not the “white spaces” spectrum, as the FCC has not ruled on the possible usage of white spaces in the broadcast spectrum as of yet. This is spectrum in the 2155-2175 MHz band known as “Advanced Wireless Services” spectrum. (AWS-3).
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Knowing my luck, since I’m located in “Cornfield”, IL, I’ll be that 5% that never gets it.. lol
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Phone companies will stop making Wifi enabled phone… Verizon is good at that
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Wow!! Finally, something that tops WiMAX in the biggest joke column!
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Wow, after reading this post it looks like T-Mobile just got screwed. If this actually takes off its gooing to hurt all of wireless providers here in the US that offers wireless data. T-mobile might be the first to feel the stains of free nationwide internet but in the long run out of all of the carriers they seem to be better equipt to live in a free internet society. T-Mobile is very new to 3G and if 3G/4G becomes opsolite they have the less to loose.
ATT and Verizon both sell broadband home internet service aswell while T-Mobile doesn’t . Why would any pay for DSL if they could get the internet for Free. ATT just invested tons when they got the iphone 3G. Free nationwide internet would make all wifi cafes and Hotspot locations opsolite. Since ATT recently equired all of Starbuxes hotspot locations and both Verizon and ATT are typically the broadband providers for these location, they will be lossing a lot if people stop using their internet and start using this free internet.
T-Mobile might be the only carrier to see any type of benefit from free internet. T-Mobile is the only company that offers any type of Voip services and if UMA could somehow be setup to work using this free internet T-mobile could easily have coverage everywhere or at less 95% of everywhere.
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Nothing in this world is free, this won’t be an exception.
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