Super Wi-Fi approved by FCC, devices to appear in 2011
We reported a few weeks ago that “Super Wi-Fi,” a new standard of Wi-Fi Internet with greater range and strength, was nearing final approval by the FCC in the U.S. That approval was made official today, and devices using the new standard could be on the market as early as next year.
The FCC doesn’t actually need to approve the new technology; what they actually approved was the opening up of “white spaces” between television channels on the bradcast spectrum. These white spaces are where the Super Wi-Fi will broadcast its signals.
TV white space spectrum is considered prime real estate because its signals travel well, making it ideally suited for mobile wireless devices. Unlocking this valuable spectrum will open the doors for new industries to arise, create American jobs, and fuel new investment and innovation. The National Broadband Plan noted the importance of unlicensed spectrum in creating opportunities for new technologies to blossom and recommended that the Commission complete the TV white spaces proceeding as expeditiously as possible.
The Commission is also taking steps to ensure that incumbent services are protected from interference from the use of white spaces in various ways. In particular, today’s Order reserves two vacant UHF channels for wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary service devices in all areas of the country.
Now that the FCC has approved the technology, it can’t be far behind in Canada. Anyone who’s lived in a large house with poor wireless Internet service, or worked in an older office building or school will definitely appreciate the coming of this technology. After all, nothing sucks worse than having a sweet computer, expensive high-speed Internet connection and only getting dial-up speeds on your end because of a crappy wireless connection.
