Plan would widen rural areas' access to high-speed service

[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Paul Davidson]
A proposal to allow wireless broadband providers to use vacant frequencies between TV channels is gaining support in Congress, a development that could deliver high-speed access to underserved rural areas. Two recently introduced Senate bills would require the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules to accommodate the unlicensed services within six months. The measures, which are garnering bipartisan support, are likely to be discussed at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing today. Yet, they're opposed by TV broadcasters that fear the services would disrupt the nation's transition to digital television. A bill by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, tries to ensure that broadcasters are protected from interference. A similar bill by Sen. George Allen, R-Va., is co-sponsored by Sens. John Sununu, R-N.H., John Kerry, D-Mass., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., plans a similar measure in the House. The bills could be added to telecom reform this year. Thousands of providers use antennas and free, unlicensed spectrum to deliver broadband to sparsely populated rural regions that would be too costly to serve with wires. But gearmakers such as Intel are drooling at the prospect of using TV airwaves, which are in low-frequency bands that allow signals to travel farther and to better penetrate buildings and foliage. That means networks could be built with fewer antennas at a fraction of what systems cost now. Lower expenses could entice wireless providers to expand service.
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20060314/2b_wireless14.art.htm