This doesn't apply directly to us as part 15 AM & FM broadcasters, but it does make one wonder on the direction of things..
FCC Proposal Intrudes on Unlicensed Spectrum
the FCC’s proposal to allow Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) tower-based operations to move into the adjacent 2.4 GHz unlicensed band – home to Bluetooth, the most-used forms of Wi-Fi, and countless other kinds of devices.
You would think the FCC might hesitate at trying to squeeze in yet another service. But the shortage of spectrum suitable for mobile data is so severe that the FCC cannot pass up any opportunity.
In Wi-Fi-infested areas, Bluetooth – which operates at much lower power – does much of its hopping in the Wi-Fi-free zone above 2473 MHz. The prospect of ATC moving into those frequencies could spell trouble for Bluetooth users.
Many unlicensed units operate at much lower power levels, often just a few tens of milliwatts. A full-power ATC facility may overpower nearby devices.
Worse, out-of-band emissions from ATC operations could threaten unlicensed operation far below 2473 MHz.
..the FCC is trying for a hybrid approach, requiring that ATC operate in the unlicensed band much like an unlicensed device. This particular band already hosts a massive and technologically sophisticated ecosystem.
The FCC even proposes to set aside a long-standing rule that prohibits unlicensed devices from causing interference to a licensed service. ATC is licensed. Yet an ATC handset user would have no interference protection from a nearby Wi-Fi device. We can hear gasps of disbelief from the cognoscenti. The doctrine that protects licensed users from unlicensed devices has been a mainstay of FCC regulation for decades. For the FCC to suggest anything different is about like the U.S. Congress condemning both the flag and motherhood..
With so much of our personal and business communication now dependent on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other 2.4 GHz unlicensed technologies, there could be significant risks in going forward.
Full story at: http://www.commlawblog.com/2014/03/articles/unlicensed-operations-and-emer/fcc-proposal-intrudes-on-unlicensed-spectrum/
The FCC serves at the pleasure of the President.
Heavy handed solutions are the norm for government problem solving. They declare war on whatever it is. War on poverty took care of pesky unemployed homeless people by brushing them out of sight somewhere. War on Mexicans is beneficial for fence builders and border patrols. War on terrorism is actually generating the terrorists that the war needs in order to exist. War on the middle class is going well and we can look forward to air, water and food wars.
The war on electromagnetic spectrum is off to a start being fought by blue-teethed wi-fiers and it is every bit a part 15 war. The mantra is "We must accept interference. We cannot cause interference." Not even when the government interferes.
We should have a war on war?
War spelled backwords is raw.
Solution: cook it.
By the way, WDCX, I very much like your udea of "declaring war on war."
That made me think about that old slogan: "The War to End All Wars."
Since the gov tends to speak in reverse, what they probably meant was:
"The War to Start All Wars."
Philosophers might say that peace only exists when there is a war to contrast it with.
Getting back to part 15, join the ALPB.
I thought I had joined. 🙂
Wes, John WDCX, you are a Certified Member of the ALPB, which means you can be sold fully built.
My promotional message to "join the ALPB" was intended for the NSA people who are reading over our shoulders and trying to decrypt what we say. Fat chance they'll ever succeed.
Wow! I was worried that my right winged liberal views had been take out of context.
The ALPB does not meddle with a member's right to have views, in or out of context.