The airwaves are freed
November 4, 2008 2:49 PM Subscribe
The results of the vote are in. Today, the FCC voted 5-0 to approve the Google-sponsored initiative to free up vacant TV airwaves. The "Free The Airwaves" victory means broadcast spectrum that becomes available as analog TV transmissions are switched off can be made available to create nationwide wireless internet access services, or "Wi-Fi on steroids".
One election down, one to go.
One election down, one to go.
...broadcast spectrum that becomes available as analog TV transmissions are switched off can be made available to create nationwide wireless internet access services...
For free? 'Cause, y'know, like, I could access those airwaves for free before they shut-off the tv signals.
You'll excuse me if I don't hold my breath waiting for that "universal wireless Internet".
posted by Thorzdad at 3:10 PM on November 4, 2008
For free? 'Cause, y'know, like, I could access those airwaves for free before they shut-off the tv signals.
You'll excuse me if I don't hold my breath waiting for that "universal wireless Internet".
posted by Thorzdad at 3:10 PM on November 4, 2008
Yeah, I agree. This is pretty big news. Very cool. Now those of us in rural areas will have bandwidth just as good as any other developing country. And the current monopolies on the tubes that bring it to us will have to compete. Today is one of the best days I had in years.
posted by Toekneesan at 3:17 PM on November 4, 2008
posted by Toekneesan at 3:17 PM on November 4, 2008
internet for everyone!
posted by fuzzypantalones at 3:21 PM on November 4, 2008
posted by fuzzypantalones at 3:21 PM on November 4, 2008
Sounds like that scary socialism I've been hearing so much about.
posted by puke & cry at 3:23 PM on November 4, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by puke & cry at 3:23 PM on November 4, 2008 [3 favorites]
F’ing world changing all for the better ‘n’shit.
...I don’t know what to do!
posted by Smedleyman at 4:00 PM on November 4, 2008 [1 favorite]
...I don’t know what to do!
posted by Smedleyman at 4:00 PM on November 4, 2008 [1 favorite]
So does this just affect Americans? Or will us Canadians will the Wi-fi love?
posted by Midnight Rambler at 4:26 PM on November 4, 2008
posted by Midnight Rambler at 4:26 PM on November 4, 2008
All along the US-Canadian border special proxies will be installed to change over protocols. In Canada, TCP comes in bags.
posted by adipocere at 5:27 PM on November 4, 2008 [6 favorites]
posted by adipocere at 5:27 PM on November 4, 2008 [6 favorites]
Calling Captain Midnight! Calling Captain Midnight!
posted by not_on_display at 5:47 PM on November 4, 2008
posted by not_on_display at 5:47 PM on November 4, 2008
Fuck yeah! Give it to google.
I wasn't using those free airwaves anyway.
posted by Balisong at 5:49 PM on November 4, 2008
I wasn't using those free airwaves anyway.
posted by Balisong at 5:49 PM on November 4, 2008
But don't we already have a national WiFi (G3?) What are the odds that this spectrum will be bought out by AT&T, or what if Google eventually does go down the evil road in 5 years kowtowing to investors and dine & dash CEOs?
posted by crapmatic at 5:50 PM on November 4, 2008
posted by crapmatic at 5:50 PM on November 4, 2008
No, Wait.
Wasn't I supposed to be paid back for leasing those wavelengths just like television was supposed to?
Oh, that equates to zero? Thanks.
posted by Balisong at 5:52 PM on November 4, 2008
Wasn't I supposed to be paid back for leasing those wavelengths just like television was supposed to?
Oh, that equates to zero? Thanks.
posted by Balisong at 5:52 PM on November 4, 2008
The Steelers won yesterday, Obama today, and now this?
This is a great time to be alive.
(Actually, if the Wifi reception will be anything like my Mom's TV reception, rural areas aren't going to to be getting much broadband.)
posted by dirigibleman at 10:57 PM on November 4, 2008
This is a great time to be alive.
(Actually, if the Wifi reception will be anything like my Mom's TV reception, rural areas aren't going to to be getting much broadband.)
posted by dirigibleman at 10:57 PM on November 4, 2008
what if Google eventually does go down the evil road in 5 years
5 years?
Naaah.
posted by IvoShandor at 11:17 PM on November 4, 2008
5 years?
Naaah.
posted by IvoShandor at 11:17 PM on November 4, 2008
Oh wait, is that a different band?
posted by SteelyDuran at 5:01 AM on November 5, 2008
posted by SteelyDuran at 5:01 AM on November 5, 2008
Isn't this the same part of the spectrum that wireless mikes use?
posted by aldus_manutius at 6:29 AM on November 5, 2008
posted by aldus_manutius at 6:29 AM on November 5, 2008
Your favorite band sucks.
posted by Eideteker at 10:56 AM on November 5, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Eideteker at 10:56 AM on November 5, 2008 [1 favorite]
Who, Dolly Parton? Yeah, I must admit that I think she's on the wrong side of this issue. If I could speak to her face to face, though, and explain it in terms of helping people out of rural poverty, I think I could bring her around.
posted by box at 11:34 AM on November 5, 2008
posted by box at 11:34 AM on November 5, 2008
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This is huge.
posted by chronkite at 3:00 PM on November 4, 2008 [1 favorite]