Friday, December 28, 2007

The Wireless Revolution: Even Better in 2008

Great read this week by BusinessWeek's Stephen Wildstrom, titled, "Just Ahead: A Wider Wireless World."

In the article, Wildstrom notes that 2008 could bring the long-heralded revolution in wireless communications, and that fast, wireless data will become more widely available, the choice of data devices and mobile handsets will expand, and service just might get cheaper.

Why?

Because February 2009 marks the date of the shutdown of analog television broadcasting, and the subsequent conversion to digital TV.

Why is this such a big deal?

Because it's going to free up space that is currently occupied by UHF channels 52 to 69. Some of which will be given to police and fire departments; the rest will be auctioned off in January, 2008.

And here's 3 reasons why that's a big deal:

1. It increases the total bandwidth for wireless networks (in the spirit of competition, this is mucho good).

2. The relatively low frequency - around 700 MHz - penetrates buildings well (mucho good for wireless phones).

3. The FCC will require the buyers of the spectrum to give customers much greater freedom in their choice of devices than carriers have traditionally allowed.
My wish (fingers crossed w/salt flying over my shoulder) is that this "openness" blows the doors off this industry and gives a whole new (unrecognizable) look to the wireless industry.

Lord knows we need it.

Check out Wildstrom's article HERE.

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