The FCC is going to open up the 700MHz frequency to the wireless market.

What does this mean to you and me? This:

“The 700 MHz Band spectrum, which runs from 698-806 MHz, currently is occupied by
television broadcasters and will be made available for other wireless services, including public
safety and commercial services, as a result of the digital television (DTV) transition.”

In implementing Congress’ directive to reallocate the airwaves, the Commission is
focused on serving the public interest and the American people.

–News Information #202

We’ll see what that REALLY means in a short time.

Google proposed that the FCC force a completely leveled playing ground like the Internet: open applications, open devices, open services and open networks. AT&T lobbyists were violently opposed to this proposition. The FCC agreed to open applications & devices but denied the others.

I hope this isn’t another way of saying that AT&T/Verison will divy up the spectrum and force their proprietary BS down our collective throats. I hope “open devices/applications” means that I can use something like a Skype cell phone (or google iphone – if they ever decide to create it).

I’m bitter about the telecos.

It is because of the American Telecos and the FCC that we are so far behind Asia and Europe. I’ve been to parts of Korea and Italy and I’ve got to say that it is a damn shame its easier to get on the net there than here.

techcrunch on fcc – http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/31/fcc-fails-to-mark-their-place-in-history/