Federal regulators on Thursday approved rules for the use of unlicensed airwaves that could make new Internet service such as “super Wi-Fi” more readily available to consumers and businesses.
Unused airwaves, known as “white spaces,” are set aside between television channels to prevent interference. The spectrum space is especially valuable because it could be used to create stronger wireless Internet signals that easily pass through walls and travel a longer distance than other unlicensed bands.
The Federal Communications Commission voted 5 to 0 to adopt a series of rules that determine how white spaces can and can’t be used. The decision frees up the most unlicensed spectrum in 25 years and could spur billions of dollars in economic activity, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said.
“When we unleash American ingenuity, great things happen,” he said.