With the switch over to digital television, a now-painless transition in hindsight, the 50 - 700 Mhz bands were freed. This band was absorbed into what is known as White Space, all un-used frequencies allocated to broadcasting services, but not locally used (wikipedia). Eight companies, Microsoft, Google, Dell, HP, Intel, Philips, Earthlink, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, formed the White Space Coalition (WSC) and set out to use the frequencies to deliver high speed internet in 2009. Their efforts were temporarily slowed by the FCC due to strict emission rules that make Wi-Fi devices useless. Further issues arise as the National Association of Broadcasters claimed the proposed devices used in accessing the internet through the spectrum had been proven to interfere with the television channels. A lawsuit has been filed in the matter.

Eventually the WSC will provide wide range internet through the white space. In places where broadband is limited, spotty, or non-existent (rural areas for example) the new service will reach. This tech will have a greater reach than all WiFi or cellular signals can achieve. The FCC has approved the concept of internet in those frequencies, we just have to wade through the red-tape and compliance problems first. A monumental internet access change is imminent.

A thought occurs; remember pirate television? Where people would try and broadcast video over the regular television channels. Since all the stations are somewhat free at the moment, is it a playground for pirate television? Now I have to find an old TV-set.

One of the greatest such hijacks was from 1987 during a Doctor Who show on WTTW (Channel 11 in Chicago). I was actually watching that very show. For censor purposes, I am only adding a link to that hijack. This was not recorded by me, I did not have a VCR at the time. It was too expensive. Thankfully, someone did capture the moment. Those were good days, indeed.

Cabe