Policy Decision: The FCC Opens Access to the Radio Spectrum

The FCC decision has the potential to spur the development of new types of wireless devices that could provide access to the internet.

Press Release:

In its continuing efforts to promote efficient use of spectrum and to extend the benefits of such use to the public, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a Second Report and Order (Second R&O) that establishes rules to allow new, sophisticated wireless devices to operate in broadcast television spectrum on a secondary basis at locations where that spectrum is open. (This unused TV spectrum is now commonly referred to as television “white spaces”). The rules adopted today 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.

Article: Fast Company

Article: NYTimes

FCC Website