Amongst the hottest non-existent technologies in mobile data and telecom is the white space device. Piggybacking on unused frequencies in the broadcast TV spectrum, these devices have the potential to deliver pervasive and high-speed access to the nation. White space devices are currently undergoing testing with the FCC to determine their efficacy.
Of course, broadcasting has a multi-million dollar investment in congressional lobbying, and does not take kindly to the idea of their frequencies (even if unused) being used for free and open communication. Google’s Larry Page says that the cable industry’s “despicable” lobbying has produced testing that was “rigged deliberately” to fail.
Big claims make for good drama. This is a solid read.
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