The FCC today unanimously took several first-step actions (pdf) to allow fixed wireless providers to make use of the 700 MHz analog RF bands being freed by the digital-television transition in February 2009 (the so called "white spaces" between broadcast channels). The discussion of the use of this spectrum is far from over, as the FCC has yet to declare whether use of this spectrum will be licensed or unlicensed - but this is a cautious first step. "I am of the strong belief that our country is in the midst of a broadband crisis stemming from a lack of build-out in many areas and from grossly inadequate competitive choices in the rest," says FCC commissioner Michael Copps in a prepared statement. "I think that the use of the TV white spaces is one of the truly promising opportunities before us in the near term to remedy this grave situation." New Commissioner Robert McDowell was even more enthusiastic, stating the decision "starts a chain of events that will lead to an explosion of entrepreneurial br.. (full story @ BBR)

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