A Window of Opportunity for Unlicensed

Members of the Senate Commerce Committee are actively considering using the digital television transition bill to open new spectrum to unlicensed access. This could include opening current Channels 2-4 after the broadcasters vacate it, or pushing the FCC to finish the 'white spaces' proceeding. It is supported by a number of tech companies, who want to see broadband widely deployed so they can sell more stuff. It is also supported by a number of public interest groups, community wireless networks, and wireless ISPs, because this means cheap ubiquitous mobile broadband for all Americans and all the social and economic benefits this brings. It is opposed by the National Association of Broadcasters and cell phone companies, who dislike the thought of wireless competitors and/or believe that we haven't advanced much in radio technology to avoid interference since God apparently made the TV allotment tables in the 1950s.