Wireless Internet Regulation

Wireless Internet Regulation
Wireless communication occurs over a specified range of frequencies in the radio spectrum.
Remote controls, cell phones and government defense systems operate on the same
spectrum. [***S. Labaton, “A Turf Fight for the Airwaves,” The New York Times 28
March 2001: C1.***] In the United States, segments of the spectrum are sold to wireless
communications companies by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Usually,
a certain range of hertz will be auctioned when the need for more space becomes apparent.
Hertz is the term used to define a unit of frequency. For example, the expansion of wireless
communications to include broadband services, such as voice, data and video, requires a
larger portion of the spectrum. The growing number of wireless consumers will also require
more spectrum. [***R. Waters, “Wireless Groups Face Tough Contest in Spectrum
Sale,” The Financial Times 12 December 2000: 26.***]
M-Fact 7.1
Analysts anticipate 600 million third-generation wireless subscribers by the year 2010.
[***S. Labaton, “A Turf Fight for the Airwaves,” The New York Times 28 March 2001:
C1.***] 7.1
In the United States, sales are centered around the range of the spectrum designated for
second-generation wireless communications. Europe and Asia have already begun auctioning
spectrum frequencies for third-generation technologies. The evolution of wireless
communication, including first, second, 2.5 and third-generation technologies is discussed
in Chapter 10, Wireless Communications Technologies. Licensing spectrum frequencies
generates revenue for national governments. However, the cost of spectrum frequencies
may cause some companies to slow development—leading to uneven growth around the
world. International spectrum auctions are discussed in detail in Chapter 9, International
Wireless Communications.
Selling spectrum frequencies affects businesses in other ways as well. Previously
issued licenses are under review with the U.S. government. Smaller organizations that rely
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on spectrum frequencies, such as public broadcasters, universities and institutions, lack the
funding larger telecommunications companies have to purchase spectrum frequencies. As
a result, that these smaller organizations may be forced to communicate through different
channels, or not at all.