The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to allow long-range Wi-Fi service using white space, the unused portions of the electromagnetic spectrum between television signals.
“The rules adopted today,” the FCC said, “will allow for the use of these new and innovative types of unlicensed devices in the unused spectrum to provide broadband data and other services for consumers and businesses. The rules represent a careful first step to permit the operation of unlicensed devices in the TV white spaces and include numerous safeguards to protect incumbent services against harmful interference.”
How quickly the benefits of what proponents call “Wi-Fi on steroids” will be available to the public is uncertain.
“It is difficult to predict when products will move into the marketplace,” said Ginny Terzano, a spokesperson for Microsoft. “Companies need to review the rules closer and there are a multitude of factors that will determine when a product will be developed. But generally we might start seeing the benefits of yesterday’s FCC ruling with products in the marketplace within 18 to 24 months or so.”
The FCC’s decision was praised by both Microsoft and Google, which have been lobbying hard to open up white space. Although the two companies are increasingly competitive on a variety of fronts, they teamed up to lead a broad coalition of tech companies and public-interest groups advocating for the change under the banner of Free the Airwaves.
“This is a clear victory for Internet users and anyone who wants good wireless communications,” said Google cofounder and president of products Larry Page in a company blog.
Craig Mundie, Microsoft’s chief research and strategy officer, agreed. “Today’s vote makes possible new ways to connect people and devices to each other and to Internet-based services, helping boost American productivity,” he said. “And it will create opportunities for American companies to remain…