LAS VEGAS — The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday announced a plan to free up a large chunk of airwaves to bolster WiFi across the nation.
In a speech at the International Consumer Electronics Show, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the plan would free up 195 megahertz in the 5 gigahertz band, airwaves between broadcast channels. That spectrum isn’t being used and could be better applied to feed the nation’s voracious mobile device use.
Multimedia
The software giant displayed some of its most cutting-edge innovations at a fair.
As it tries to win a bidding war, Dish raises national security concerns against Japan’s SoftBank.
Apple is expected to reveal a new iOS 7 at its Worldwide Developer Conference. And there are some big changes in store.
As more firms add social data to their maps, the community-based navigation app is looking attractive.
“As this spectrum comes on line, we expect it to relieve congested WiFi networks at major hubs like convention centers and airports,” Genachowski said. “ It will also help in homes as tablets and smartphones proliferate and video use rises.”
He said the plan would speed up WiFi networks by 35 percent and would mark the nation’s biggest release of unlicensed airwaves — spectrum that isn’t auctioned to commercial wireless carriers — since 2003.
Mobile device users often rely on WiFi networks, especially in cities where there is too much congestion. The FCC is in the process of also setting up another auction of broadcaster airwaves that will boost 4G networks.
Sign up today to receive #thecircuit, a daily roundup of the latest tech policy news from Washington and how it is shaping business, entertainment and science.
The Post Most: BusinessMost-viewed stories, videos and galleries int he past two hours
World Markets from
Other Market Data from
Key Rates from
Loading...
Comments