Thomas Hazlett says that it can be done.
In August, Berlin became the first place on earth to turn off its analog TV broadcasts. Viewers without digital receivers (priced between €88 and €279), or cable or satellite feeds, saw their TV screens go blank. Given that countries around the world are taking decades to make the analog-to-digital switch, the Berlin experience is extraordinary...While Berlin's TV stations were increasing to 27 from 12, the number of channels used to broadcasts these programs actually declined to seven from 12. Five channels, or 35MHz, worth of prime airspace, is now available to deliver new services.
Regulators in Berlin have yet to seize this opportunity, even as scores of wireless applications would die for a chance to use these valuable airwaves. In particular, high-speed wireless Internet access could compete with cable modems and digital-subscriber-line (DSL) technologies, promoting high-speed Internet deployment. The bandwidth could also be used to offer a competitive alternative to local phone service (through wireless voice service or voice-over-Internet offerings).
That's why I think that the solution is massive civil disobedience. If someone will manufacture it, buy wireless equipment that uses the TV spectrum.
As data gets easier to squeeze into manageable chunks the spectrum should open up and accomodate more.
Posted by Shows TV Guy on April 28, 2004 02:28 AM | Permalink to Comment