20080819
Petition to the FCC
Mesh Network
Google is behind a petition to the FCC that requests that they set aside the soon-to-be-vacated VHF & UHF analog TV spectrum for free access (open, unrestricted – to some extent). Their vision is a wireless network from coast to coast with few, if any, gaps and free access for all. Just think of an iPhone that does everything the current one does without the need for a telephone company. Imagine home internet access with DSL, Cable, or dial-up service costs. Think cable or satellite TV without the cable or satellite TV companies. Think access everywhere and anytime without having to sell your arm/leg/first-born to a borderline monopolistic company raking in huge (I’ll argue excessive) profits. Imagine the reliability of a mesh network. Go to the website, read the FAQ, and sign the petition.
Hooda Thunkit said,
August 22, 2008 @ 2350
Joe,
If I thought that it was a good idea, a good use of the spectrum and technically feasible I wouldn’t hesitate to sign the petition.
I’m not, so I won’t.
While this spectrum is slated to become vacant soon, the first order of business should be addressing Public Safety’s needs.
Then maybe some talk of a nationwide seamless network would be appropriate in my mind.
I am very attuned to Public Safety at the moment…
JMZ said,
August 23, 2008 @ 0104
Hooda,
I agree 100%. But with Emergency and Logistical comm going digital, the widespread availability, bandwidth, and robustness of this networked use of bandwidth would allow/enable exactly the sorts of comm Public Safety needs. This is a no-brainer in my book. Think it over.
Hooda Thunkit said,
August 23, 2008 @ 1845
Joe,
Yeah, people have floated the idea of doing just that for Public Safety and at no cost to them.
However, they tied their magnanimous offer to letting them sell the unused bandwidth and idle time to users who would PAY them for it.
This, in my mind, is just another variation on the theme being played by many hoping to profit from the down times and excess bandwidth. Now, I’ve watched and seen just how business honors their commitments to Public Safety in the past and it all comes down to this:
Every time a conflict exists between using spectrum for either Public Safety and for profit, profit always wins and Public Safety loses.
That’s why the needs of Public Safety and the desires of the for profit vendors/users remain incompatible…
JMZ said,
August 23, 2008 @ 1848
Hooda,
OK, but that is an awful lot of spectrum. Perhaps it can be shared and developed independently. I do not see why it has to only be one or the other.
Hooda Thunkit said,
August 23, 2008 @ 2100
Joe,
That would make sense, but our “Drunken Sailors on sHore Leave” president and congress would rather auction it all off and head back to the bars (or, elsewhere) with the money…
There’s more liquor, lickers, votes and voters to and it isn’t just one party that is doing the buying; it’s more of a contest