Comments on: The airwaves are freed

The airwaves are freed

lodev — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:49:49 -0800

The results of the vote are in. Today, the FCC voted 5-0 to approve the Google-sponsored initiative to free up vacant TV airwaves. The "Free The Airwaves" victory means broadcast spectrum that becomes available as analog TV transmissions are switched off can be made available to create nationwide wireless internet access services, or "Wi-Fi on steroids".

One election down, one to go.

By: chronkite

chronkite — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:43 -0800

Oh hell yes. This is huge.

By: Thorzdad

Thorzdad — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:10:45 -0800

...broadcast spectrum that becomes available as analog TV transmissions are switched off can be made available to create nationwide wireless internet access services... For free? 'Cause, y'know, like, I could access those airwaves for free before they shut-off the tv signals. You'll excuse me if I don't hold my breath waiting for that "universal wireless Internet".

By: Toekneesan

Toekneesan — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:17:38 -0800

Yeah, I agree. This is pretty big news. Very cool. Now those of us in rural areas will have bandwidth just as good as any other developing country. And the current monopolies on the tubes that bring it to us will have to compete. Today is one of the best days I had in years.

By: fuzzypantalones

fuzzypantalones — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:21:46 -0800

internet for everyone!

By: puke & cry

puke & cry — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:23:53 -0800

Sounds like that scary socialism I've been hearing so much about.

By: Smedleyman

Smedleyman — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:00:56 -0800

F'ing world changing all for the better 'n'shit. ...I don't know what to do!

By: Midnight Rambler

Midnight Rambler — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:26:05 -0800

So does this just affect Americans? Or will us Canadians will the Wi-fi love?

By: adipocere

adipocere — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:27:14 -0800

All along the US-Canadian border special proxies will be installed to change over protocols. In Canada, TCP comes in bags.

By: not_on_display

not_on_display — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:47:52 -0800

Calling Captain Midnight! Calling Captain Midnight!

By: Balisong

Balisong — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:49:17 -0800

Fuck yeah! Give it to google. I wasn't using those free airwaves anyway.

By: crapmatic

crapmatic — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:50:42 -0800

But don't we already have a national WiFi (G3?) What are the odds that this spectrum will be bought out by AT&T, or what if Google eventually does go down the evil road in 5 years kowtowing to investors and dine & dash CEOs?

By: Balisong

Balisong — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:52:08 -0800

No, Wait. Wasn't I supposed to be paid back for leasing those wavelengths just like television was supposed to? Oh, that equates to zero? Thanks.

By: crapmatic

crapmatic — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:52:24 -0800

(oops I meant 3G, not G3)

By: TwelveTwo

TwelveTwo — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:07:16 -0800

Woo! This decade is finally shaping up.

By: kliuless

kliuless — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:54:42 -0800

ars; change is a comin'! previously :P

By: dirigibleman

dirigibleman — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:57:16 -0800

The Steelers won yesterday, Obama today, and now this? This is a great time to be alive. (Actually, if the Wifi reception will be anything like my Mom's TV reception, rural areas aren't going to to be getting much broadband.)

By: IvoShandor

IvoShandor — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:17:51 -0800

what if Google eventually does go down the evil road in 5 years 5 y e a r s? Naaah.

By: SteelyDuran

SteelyDuran — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:00:27 -0800

Sadly, it'll be filtered for our protection.

By: SteelyDuran

SteelyDuran — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:01:09 -0800

Oh wait, is that a different band?

By: aldus_manutius

aldus_manutius — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:29:03 -0800

Isn't this the same part of the spectrum that wireless mikes use?

By: Eideteker

Eideteker — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:56:00 -0800

Your favorite band sucks.

By: box

box — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:34:52 -0800

Who, Dolly Parton? Yeah, I must admit that I think she's on the wrong side of this issue. If I could speak to her face to face, though, and explain it in terms of helping people out of rural poverty, I think I could bring her around.