It appears as though broadcasters are getting serious in their opposition of white spaces, the frequencies between the frequencies which companies like Google believe can provide free broadband Internet to the masses. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin seems to agree, as he’s been talking about the benefits of white spaces for a few months now. However, don’t expect the broadcasters to down without a fight. Country singer Dolly Parton has come out against white spaces, lending her “expertise” to the matter.
“With my extensive background in the entertainment industry, I can unequivocally confirm that the importance of clear, consistent wireless microphone broadcasts simply cannot be overstated,” Parton said in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission, which is scheduled to vote on the issue Nov. 4. “This industry relies on wireless technology and is in jeopardy of being irreversibly devastated by the Commission’s pending decision.”
Yes, because I’m sure Parton read through the entire 400-page report that discussed the results of tests on white space. I try not to inject too much opinion in these pieces, since I’m no expert myself, but this simply makes Parton look foolish. She has no idea of the true implications. She’s merely repeating anti-white space rhetoric. Her argument should have zero weight — zero — in the final decision.
(The lesson, as always: stick to what you’re good at.)
Even if the white spaces did have some impact on wireless microphones, a few members of Congress note how it really shouldn’t matter.
Supporters of the plan are also lining up. On Monday, a group of six Congress members urged the FCC to approve the plan. “The broadband potential offered by the white spaces remains too great an opportunity for there to be any further delay in concluding the proceeding and allocating the spectrum for unlicensed broadband uses,” the elected officials wrote. Reps. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), Nathan Deal (R-Ga.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Rogers (R-Wis.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) signed the letter.
See, broadband brings knowledge to the masses. The Internet is rife with free data, free information, free education. Whereas Parton’s mic provides a distraction from every day life. I think I can say without hesitation which is more important.
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