FCC decision could help Vermont

A decision expected early next week by the Federal Communications Commission could result in a major boost for Vermont's efforts to bring high-speed Internet service to the entire state by the year 2010. The FCC is scheduled to vote Nov. 4 on a proposal to open up the so-called television white spaces -- unused radio frequencies between TV stations -- for use as wireless broadband spectrums. That change could be a boon for rural states such as Vermont, where these white spaces are abundant due to the lack of in-state television broadcasters. But the proposal still faces an uphill battle as several key lawmakers urge the FCC to delay next week's vote. On Monday, the Vermont Telecommunications Authority, the division set up last year to bring universal Internet and cellular coverage to the state by the end of 2010, sent e-mails to supporters asking them to encourage the FCC to open up the spectrum.