Create your Benton.org account today. Registration is quick and easy. Creating an account gives you access to special features, click to learn more.
Headlines, Spectrum
Free Internet is part of new FCC airwaves auction
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 22, 2008 - 3:32pmThe Federal Communications Commission on Friday said it wants to auction a section of wireless airwaves to buyers willing to provide free broadband Internet service without pornography. The agency asked for public comment on its plan to auction an unused portion of the wireless spectrum with the condition that the winning bidder offer free Internet access and filter out obscene content on part of those airwaves.
FCC lifts Sprint deadline to swap some channels
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 20, 2008 - 7:56amThe Federal Communications Commission on Thursday agreed to give Sprint Nextel more time to swap some wireless spectrum frequencies with public safety agencies. Sprint was facing a June 26 deadline to vacate channels that its Nextel wireless network uses in the 800 MHz band.
FCC Allows Sprint To Remain Temporarily On Safety Airwaves
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 20, 2008 - 7:51amThe Federal Communications Commission on Thursday granted Sprint Nextel's request to continue operating temporarily on airwaves designated for firefighters and police officers. Sprint has been ordered to relocate to different channels in order to stop interference with communications among public safety agencies.
Sprint asks FCC for delay in vacating spectrum
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 19, 2008 - 9:46amSprint Nextel said on Wednesday it was asking the Federal Communications Commission to extend the deadline for it to stop using a key piece of airwaves close to the networks of public-safety agencies.
White-Spaces Debate Hits Broadway
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 19, 2008 - 9:44amThey say the neon white spaces are bright on Broadway. But, according to Broadway theater owners, the lights of the "Great White Way" could be extinguished by mobile wireless devices in the "white spaces" between digital-TV channels.
TIA to FCC: Reauction D-Block ASAP
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 18, 2008 - 7:03amCisco Systems, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Motorola and others are asking the Federal Communications Commission to "quickly" reauction the D-block of spectrum so that an interoperable public safety network can be built.
Ambassador: U.S. Wireless Policies Emulated by Developing Nations
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 16, 2008 - 8:08amAmerica’s wireless policies continue to be emulated by developing nations, Ambassador David Gross, United States coordinator for international communications and information policy, said Friday at Broadband Policy Summit IV. Therefore, the US must “think domestically” but “act internationally” in wireless regulation – because many nations “monitor and dissect carefully” the telecommunications debates that now rage in Washington.
Red Lion Redux
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 16, 2008 - 8:06amB&C is in agreement with the Parents Television Council and not with the Parent Teacher Association on how deeply the Supreme Court should delve into the arcane workings of the Federal Communications Commission's indecency campaign.
Clearwire promises a fully-open,
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 12, 2008 - 9:16pmSprint Nextel and Clearwire are promising that their new WiMAX network will support both open access and wholesale access and that it will reach 140 million people by the end of 2010.
GE Backs Medical Cure for Its White-Spaces Problem
Submitted by Benton Foundation on June 12, 2008 - 9:13pmAs a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, NBC is in a pitched battle with computer companies over the use of unlicensed portable mobile devices in so-called white spaces between digital-TV channels, but parent General Electric said it found a way to allow them, if somewhat grudgingly, in concert with its medical devices that use the TV spectrum.
