With large companies like Intel Corp. (INTC) pushing for permission to use vacant airwaves for high-speed wireless access, they've got their wish now as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to permit usage without a license as long as there are no interference issues.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said, "Allowing low-power wireless devices to operate in the unused portions of the television bands could be an efficient and effective use of this unused spectrum."
The specific signals available are at frequencies below 900 megahertz, which penetrate obstructions easily in contrast to the higher frequencies.
The FCC is currently testing and will have results by July and will at that time set the final technical requirements for the devices by 
October of 2007.
The devices won't be allowed to be put into use until television broadcasters switch to digital signals and the analog airwaves are given back to the government in 2009.
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