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Solve : FCC White Space Rulles?

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Not exactly news, but it is a possible breakthrough taht can speed up the Great White Space Wi-Fi.
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0405/FCC-12-36A1.pdf

The PDF document shows these are proposed rule changes. No word yet when and if the FCC will really do it. If they do, it could help make the promise a reality.

BTW: If you have not heard, about five years ago the FCC said that unused UHF TV channels in the USA could be used to expand the coverage of Wi-Fi hots spots. without a LICENSE. At that time the RULES were very tough. (IMHO)
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  ...The TV bands consist of six-megahertz channels designated 2 to 51 in four bands of frequencies in the VHF and UHF regions of the radio spectrum (54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, and 470-698 MHz). ... Fixed devices MUST incorporate a geo-location capability and a means to access a database  that provides a list of available TV channels ...must contact a database to obtain a channel list before operating and re-check the database at least once daily.]
...The TV bands consist of six-megahertz channels designated 2 to 51 in four bands of frequencies in the VHF and UHF regions of the radio spectrum (54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, and 470-698 MHz). ... Fixed devices must incorporate a geo-location capability and a means to access a database  that provides a list of available TV channels ...must contact a database to obtain a channel list before operating and re-check the database at least once daily.
That was a real burden.
But now:
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Eliminated the requirement that TV bands devices that incorporate geo-location and databas access must also listen (sense) to detect the signals of TV stations and low power auxiliary service stations (wireless MICROPHONES).
As part of that change, the COMMISSION also revithe rules in several respects to reflect use of that method as the only means for determining
channel availability.... to verify their operating location at regular time intervals.
The database change can mean a lot to short-range routers that what to use the White Space for  penetration in areas where there are the current 802.11 frequencies just don;t do the job. It will reduce the cost a lot.

This could mean a rural Wi-Fi Hot Spot could easily cover an area of dense vegetation and get distances well beyond  3 km (about 2 miles). Or maybe a lot more. Depending on the power limits.
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Fixed devices are permitted to operate with up to one watt transmitter power output and may use an  antenna that provides up to 6 dBi of gain.
That means effective power of four watts.
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