Rule change could expand access to next-generation Internet

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a rule change that could help people in rural areas connect to the next generation of wireless Internet.

The FCC issued an order Thursday changing the rules for “white space” devices, which can tap into a powerful form of spectrum that is also used for television broadcasts. Devices that can use the “white space” spectrum to access the Internet arrived on the commercial market last month. 

The commission’s amended rule allows the white space receivers to be placed on higher towers. The towers are crucial for consumers in rural areas, where wireless reception can be spotty due to hilly terrain. 

The payroll tax package that Congress passed in February cleared the way for the “white space” devices after a drawn out battle between the tech industry and broadcasters.

Proponents of the devices, such as Google, argued they would expand access to cheap wireless Internet, but broadcasters warned the devices could cause interference problems.

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