Super Wi-Fi Coming Soon?

The FCC recently voted <http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fcc-wifi-20100923,0,765756,print.story> to allow the use of unutilized broadcast spectrum to develop super Wi-Fi services. The unused white space was created as part of broadcast TV's transition from analog to digital. Officially, the 5-0 vote by the commission was to establish rules for how such white space can be used. In practical terms, development of super Wi-Fi is expected to be the primary beneficiary of the move.

Chairman of the FCC, Julius Genachowski said that this move frees up the most unlicensed spectrum in 25 years. The only opposition to the move came from TV broadcasters who feared that allowing others to use the space in between TV frequencies might cause interference with TV signals. Significantly, the vote was 5-0; frequently big FCC decisions are decided along party lines. But both ends of the political spectrum came together on the broadcast spectrum.