With the coming switch to digital signals by broadcasters in 2009, companies have been pressing the FCC to allow those vacant airwaves to be made available for use without a license.
Companies like Microsoft (MSFT) and Intel (INTC), among others are looking to these unlicensed airwaves for a number of wireless services. One such obvious service would be high-speed Internet access in rural areas.
Intel spokeswoman Jennifer Greeson commented: "Intel believes that the TV white spaces are a prime opportunity for the deployment of valuable new wireless broadband services in rural and other underserved areas, as well as innovative wireless networking solutions in the home and office."
The FCC has testing underway to see if there will be any interference issues that would have an affect upon the broadcasters. Results should be available by July 2007 and final requirements for use of the airwaves without having to have an FCC license will be made in October of 2007.
The agency said their goal is to have the proper equipment available to sell by February of 2009, when the analog signals are switched off and broadcasting started in digital.
What are at issue specifically are the frequencies that are below 900 megahertz, because these signals can go through almost any obstructions contrary to the higher frequencies.
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