WCN comments on FCC’s spectrum policy
August 17th, 2005The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the rules governing all broadcasting and telecommunications services in the United States. They also regulate the use of the ‘airwaves’ by allocating specific frequency bands in the spectrum to specific purposes such as AM radio, television, and cellular phone service. Most of these bands are licensed for exclusive use, f.ex. by a cellular phone service provider.
Some bands in the spectrum are unlicensed. They can be used by low power devices such as walkie-talkies, garage door openers, microwaves and - wireless internet connections! The Wireless Community Network project in North Lawndale is operating on the unlicensed 2.4GHz band, whereas the West Frankfort project uses the 900MHz band. Bandwidth on the unlicensed parts of the spectrum becomes scarce as more people and communities recognize the benefit of using wireless technology.
The unlicensed, or “open” spectrum is a vital resource for projects like the WCN - hence we have filed comment with the FCC to tell them about the need for more open spectrum. You can read CNT’s comment here. For more information on spectrum issues, check out the Wireless Future Program of the New America Foundation and read the Spectrum Policy postings on this website. If you’re into rules & regulations, have a look at the FCC’s Spectrum Policy Task Force.