In a huge decision that could revolutionize web access in the United States, the FCC announced that the excess spectrum, created when TV goes digital, will be auctioned off.
"The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday gave a tentative stamp of approval to a free, national broadband service that will block access to porn," PCmag.com said.
Google has pushed hard to have this happen, while the phone companies, like T-Mobile, have battled it with just as much gusto.
The FCC will finalize all the details and begin auctioning off spectrum as early as 2009.
Free Nation-Wide Wireless Internet
FCC Approves Bandwidth Auction
Trend Themes
1. Nation-wide Wireless Internet - The approval of free national broadband service opens opportunities for new companies to enter the internet service provider industry with disruptive pricing models and streamlined services.
2. Bandwidth Auctions - The upcoming auctions could lead to the emergence of innovative technology companies that specialize in wireless communication infrastructure and spectrum management.
3. Censorship in Wireless Internet - The FCC's decision to block access to porn on the free national broadband service could ignite a trend of internet censorship in the industry, with opportunities for companies to develop new content filtering technologies.
Industry Implications
1. Internet Service Provider (ISP) - The approval of free national broadband service has the potential to disrupt existing ISP business models, which could benefit from adopting similar strategies to stay competitive in the market.
2. Wireless Communication Technology - The excess spectrum available for auction opens up opportunities for companies to innovate in wireless communication technology and establish themselves as leaders in the rapidly-growing industry.
3. Content Filtering Technology - The FCC's decision to block access to porn on the free national broadband service provides opportunities for companies to develop new content filtering technologies that could be applied in various fields, such as child protection and corporate security.