Tom Evslin has posted an informative blog about the latest FCC proposal to release a significant swath of radio frequencies for unlicensed use. The FCC proceeding concerns guard bands that will be freed up when television broadcasts convert to a digital format in 2009. If made available, these frequencies could be used to create a supercharged version of WiFi. As Tom puts it:

Internet accessibility has exploded thanks to WiFi and the use of other unlicensed radio spectrum for fixed access by WISPs. This happened even though only “junk” frequencies – those shared with microwave ovens, for example – were made available for unlicensed use. The former TV frequencies are “good” frequencies. They go through leaves and walls; they go further. A common estimate by informed sources is that using the now unlicensed junk frequencies for a wireless buildout requires six to eight times as many towers as would be required if the former TV frequencies could be used.

While I had assumed the eventual availability of the unused analog television frequencies a fait accompli, it now seems that the FCC is reconsidering its earlier proposed rule making based on concerns over technical feasibility. Luckily, two Senate bills (sponsored by Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Gordon Smith (R-OR) and John Sununu (R-NH)) that seek to establish legislation for the same purpose will keep the issue in the public eye.

Regular readers know that I consider competition in the wireless broadband arena crucial to the continued innovation in, and growth of, the IP services revolution. As long as entrenched oligopolies are gatekeepers to the wireless Internet, they will seek to maximize that position by controlling the content that traverses it. It’s the dumb pipe dilemma. Making plentiful unlicensed spectrum available is one sure way to unlock their stranglehold. For that reason, the outcome of this issue is hugely important to anyone with a stake in the digital future of this country – and that’s everyone.