The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has scheduled a Sept. 23 vote to determine if it will open up vacant television spectrum for wireless broadband use,
    The vote follows a two-year-old FCC proposal to make these airwaves, known as “white spaces,” available for free without specific permission – similar to the way Wi-Fi and Bluetooth spectrum is used. The FCC plan would require installers to configure devices to detect and utilize a frequency that’s vacant in their area. A GPS technology database would be used to help the devices determine the appropriate white space frequencies.
     In a statement, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said that allowing the spectrum to be used for wireless broadband would result in “super Wi-Fi” technology and a boost for the electronics markets. “We’re hoping history will repeat itself. White spaces are a big deal for consumers and for investment and innovation.”