Broadcast spectrum is used inefficiently and is hampering the dep...
Broadcast spectrum is used inefficiently and is hampering the deployment of some wireless Internet platforms, panelists said on Capitol Hill Thurs. On the panel sponsored by the Congressional Internet Caucus, Thomas Hazlett of the Manhattan Institute said Wi-Fi was…
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the only area where the FCC was creating new spectrum allocations and where new spectrum usage was being promoted. The FCC recently allocated 255 MHz of spectrum for unlicensed spectrum use. But there is less spectrum in the U.S. for unlicensed use or for other new wireless services than in other countries, the panelists said. Part of the problem stems from inefficient use of spectrum by broadcasters, said Steve Berry of CTIA. He questioned the regulatory oversight regime over Wi-Fi, especially once Wi-Fi begins being used for voice-over- Internet services. Berry asked how the FCC would require E- 911, CALEA and wireless priority access over Wi-Fi networks. Michael Calabrese, of the New America Foundation, said wireless ISPs (WISPs) were “popping up” in many rural areas to provide wireless broadband service.