The Other Nov. 4 election
FCC vote could restrict the use of "white space" and widen the digital divide, according to media reform advocates.
By Belinda Acosta, 10:21AM, Tue. Oct. 28, 2008
The future of the Internet is at stake if the public does not step up and let its voice be heard in favor of opening unused TV airwaves for Internet use, according to FreePress.net, a media reform watchdog group.
In addition to the presidential election, Nov. 4 is the date the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on whether to open unused television airwaves to Internet use nationwide. Opening these so called "white spaces" could provide affordable Internet access to hard to reach rural areas, where are much as 75% of TV airwaves remain unused. In urban areas, where spectrum use is unsurprisingly crowded, opening up the white space would provide some additional breathing room.
The FCC's own report on opening white space has shown that it would not pose a threat to existing airwave use, yet the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) stands in opposition to opening white space, preferring to follow dated standards that favor the broadcasting industry.
What's an ordinary citizen to do? In this case, contact your representative and urge them to do their part to insist the FCC open the white spaces for the public good.
Kay Bailey Hutchison: 202-224-5922, FAX 202-224-0776
John Cornyn: 202-224-2934, FAX 202-228-2856
Lloyd Doggett: 202-225-4865, FAX 202-225-3073
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