24
Nov
stored in: Tech
05
Nov
stored in: Tech
Two historic game changing events took place yesterday. The election and a changes in what represents an entirely new path in telecommunications.
“In its continuing efforts to promote efficient use of spectrum and to extend the benefits of such use to the public, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a Second Report and Order (Second R&O) that establishes rules to allow new, sophisticated wireless devices to operate in broadcast television spectrum on a secondary basis at locations where that spectrum is open. (This unused TV spectrum is now commonly referred to as television “white spaces”). The rules adopted today will allow for the use of these new and innovative types of unlicensed devices in the unused spectrum to provide broadband data and other services for consumers and businesses. ”
* Both fixed and personal portable devices will be allowed. So look for base stations on cell towers as well as next generation PDAs and multi-media devices.
* Personal portable devices will be allowed to operate at power levels up to 40mW.
* On non-adjacent channels (i.e., where you have three unoccupied TV channels in a row, this would be the middle channel), higher power levels will be allowed (up to 100mW).
* Unlicensed wireless microphones will not receive priority status except, potentially, on channels 2-4. On all other channels (through to channel 51), all devices will share secondary status to primary broadcasters (e.g., television stations and licensed microphones).
* A geolocational database will back up spectrum sensing capabilities to ensure WSDs do not operate in restricted areas. Left unclear is whether licensed wireless microphone users will be allowed to exempt their venue from WSD use and whether this would also allow for unlicensed wireless microphone users to do likewise.
* A Notice of Inquiry will be launched by the FCC to investigate higher-powered use as an additional service in areas with few digital TV stations. This would facilitate backhaul capabilities for WISPs and other service providers.
05
Nov
stored in: Uncategorized
It is hard to not be overcome with emotion when witnessing the turnout and the level of excitement last night. It is amazing to ponder the two types of outcomes that could have taken place. If McCain had won, I feel we would have witnessed riots unprecedented in human history. Instead, we experienced and witnessed unparalleled joy and exuberance in the streets. As the night moved forward and the count continued; these potentially two drastic outcomes played with my emotions. On one hand if McCain won there would be a level of dissatisfaction and continued complacency and the status quo would chug along - comfortably hijacked by our corporate sponsorship. On the other, a message of unity, localized change and youthful dominance took root. The later took me to a place I had not prepared for. I am glad to be alive to witness this transfer and be, no matter how small, apart of it. The commitment to hope must now be subtly transferred from winning an election to crafting a series of winning policies, which favor the majority of people who strive for peace.
To add a more cautious streak to my overwhelming connection to what happened, I hope Obama does not perpetuate and fall victim to the need to create a global government. The world does see the influence of American politics as a direct influence in their lives more now then ever. As stated by Obama last night. We must and American take responsibility again if the vision of a new administration skews the desires of the whole.