A call to arms! CTIA wants white spaces spectrum licensed & auctioned

With the duopoly firmly in control of most of the fixed and wireless access in the USA, new momentum has been building around the white spaces concept of using empty broadcast television channels for broadband access. The very nature of the proposal is founded in devices that are low power with limited geographic reach, and unlicensed use to allow unfettered development of devices and services. The duopoly lobbying and propaganda group CTIA clearly sees that as a threat to all access being kept in their domain.

The mobile-phone industry recommended to the Federal Communications Commission that most vacant broadcast channels be auctioned for area-wide licensing. Cellular trade group CTIA floated the idea shortly after Google Inc. offered a compromise proposal to unleash propagation-friendly TV white spaces for unlicensed wireless broadband access without interference to digital broadcasting, wireless microphones and other uses. Google’s proposal relies on a Motorola Inc. technology that combines geo-location and beacons.

“Ultimately, the TV white space is too valuable to lie fallow,” stated CTIA in a new FCC filing. “Licensing TV white-space spectrum will best facilitate the deployment of wireless broadband and other advances services, while protecting incumbent from harmful interference. The commission should auction the majority of this spectrum for prompt licensed use.” (RCR News)

It is clearly stated in American law that the airwaves are public property. The concept of licensing their use was born in a time when the only method of media distribution was to broadcast and it was extremely capital intensive. It did not foresee 2 way communications or content on demand. We have a right to a portion of the scare radio spectrum to be reserved for public use, and it’s high time we demand it. Please write you elected representatives,and be sure to vote in November

You can find and email your Representative or Senators here.