Unusual FCC proceeding concerning the future of the white spaces in the FM radio band

A MOST UNUSUAL FCC PROCEEDING CONCERNING THE FUTURE OF THE WHITE SPACES IN THE FM RADIO BAND
[SOURCE: Truth, Justice and Telecom Policy, AUTHOR: JH Snider]
[Commentary] The Rail Network, with the apparent backing of many major mass transit systems throughout the United States, has petitioned the FCC to enhance the Part 15 (unlicensed) rules for operation within subways. Given today’s political environment, the Rail Network’s most compelling public interest argument for its proposed Part 15 modification is public safety. Rail passengers currently have minimal access to radio broadcast news in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. The attacks on mass transit in London and Spain are specifically mentioned. Other arguments include fostering mass transit while not causing harm to licensed FM facilities. The day-to-day programming Rail Networks plans to put on such spectrum remains unclear and may amount to little more than the type of programming available in many doctors’ offices or airport lounges. Reply comments on the Rail Networks proposal are due October 3.
http://quixote.blogs.com/telecompolicy/2006/09/a_most_unusual_.html