John Kerry Introduces Wireless Innovation Act

JOHN KERRY INTRODUCES WIRELESS INNOVATION ACT TO SPUR NEW BROADBAND CONNECTIONS
[SOURCE: The Democratic Daily]
Sen John Kerry (D-MA) introduced the Wireless Innovation Act of 2007 which will make broadband available to unconnected communities by exploiting the unused frequencies in the broadcast spectrum known as “white spaces.” Sen Kerry introduced the same bill in the 109th Congress, however it was not acted on by the full Senate. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to move quickly to free up valuable but unused broadcast airwaves -- known as "white spaces" -- which could then be used for unlicensed, wireless broadband. In many markets, more than half of the available broadcast channels have not been licensed to television stations. Free Press Policy Director Ben Scott said: "Free Press... urges the Senate to move quickly to pass the Wireless Innovation Act of 2007. This bill holds the potential to create universal, affordable broadband access across the United States. Greater access to unlicensed spectrum in the low-frequency bands would improve local emergency communications networks, nurture the growth of small business and entrepreneurship, generate competition in the broadband market, and ensure that underserved areas are not left behind as technology advances in the 21st century. The expansion of unlicensed spectrum in particular will create a boom in innovative technologies and expand the opportunities for citizens to communicate. The unlicensed spectrum currently available - just 2 percent of the total spectrum that is commercially available - already has spurred entrepreneurship and technological innovation, generating billions of dollars in new business for manufacturers, retailers and providers. This is a critical issue whose time has come."
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=5088

* Free Press Applauds Wireless Innovation Act of 2007
http://www.freepress.net/press/release.php?id=200

* Kerry Reintroduces Wireless Innovation Act of 2007
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6406639.html?display=Breaking...

* Kerry drops another good bill
http://www.wetmachine.com//item/698