FCC to allow "white space" broadband after two-year wait

The Federal Communications Commission is expected to approve the use of so called "white spaces" -- or unused bandwidth freed up by the transition from analog to digital television signals -- for use in wireless broadband at its September 23 meeting.

While the technology would finally gain the FCC's full blessing, it is likely years before any actual implementation is seen. Regardless, the opportunities it provides to speed up the rollout of broadband across the country excites those who have been working hard to make the technology a reality.

In an interview with the New York Times this weekend, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski lauded the move as a "platform for innovators and entrepreneurs," and said he believed it could lead to "one or more billion dollar industries." It also fits perfectly with the Obama Administration's National Broadband Plan, its stated goal being more accessible high-speed Internet.

Spectrum in these bands would be opened up with no licensing fees for their use, similar to the way Wi-Fi has been licensed. Since the frequencies at which white space broadband operates are much lower than Wi-Fi, wireless signals would be able to travel over a much further distance

Not everybody is on board, however. Broadcasters have opposed the idea almost from the get go, with the National Association of Broadcasters arguing that white space broadband could lead to interference of television signals.

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