14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft was one of the tech giants quick to welcome the news that the channels not delivering broadcasting television programming of the US TV airwaves are free to deliver wireless broadband Internet connections. In this manner, the Redmond giant, along with additional technology companies that have lobbied intensively for the opening up of the white spaces have won an important victory over the opposition formed mainly by TV broadcasters. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the usage of white spaces with an unanimous 5 - 0 vote.
“Microsoft thanks Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin and the other FCC Commissioners for their hard work leading up to today’s vote. Their action today will allow every American to realize the enormous potential of white spaces,” revealed Craig Mundie, Chief Research and Strategy Officer, Microsoft.
At the same time, the victory is not one of major tech companies alone, but also of end users. Via white spaces, Internet users will benefit from high speed connections (broadband) and from superior quality wireless communications. Mundie indicated that Microsoft's support would not end with the opening up of white spaces, as the company is intent on seeing its wireless broadband potential to the end.
“Today’s vote ushers in a new era of wireless broadband innovation. Like other unlicensed facilities, which enabled popular technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth, white spaces will make possible new and creative solutions to a range of broadband connectivity challenges. For example, white-spaces radios can help rural communities to augment their broadband Internet access inexpensively. Today’s vote also makes possible new ways to connect people and devices to each other and to Internet-based services, helping boost American productivity. And it will create opportunities for American companies to remain at the forefront of technological innovation worldwide, helping to create jobs and economic growth,” Mundie added.