FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on "Wi-Fi on Steroids" and Net Neutrality

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski recently unveiled a plan to open up a chunk of unused airways, dubbed "Wi-Fi on steroids," which has sparked excitement among tech giants like Google and Microsoft. This move is expected to create a new platform for innovation, enabling machine-to-machine internet access and paving the way for a $7 billion a year industry. However, broadcasters and concert promoters have expressed concerns about potential interference with TV signals and wireless microphones. In this interview with Bloomberg's Peter Cook, Genachowski discusses the implications of this decision and the ongoing debate over net neutrality.

Key Takeaways:

• The FCC's decision to open up white spaces for Wi-Fi will create a $7 billion a year industry, making it bigger than Wi-Fi today.
• This new platform will enable machine-to-machine internet access and will be more robust than current Wi-Fi networks.
• Genachowski expects both big players and innovators to take advantage of this new spectrum, with companies like Google and Microsoft already investing in R&D.
• The FCC has addressed concerns about interference with TV signals and wireless microphones, but more issues may arise.
• Genachowski sees net neutrality as critical to preserving the freedom and openness of the internet, and is working to address issues around specialized services and wireless internet.
• The FCC is making progress on net neutrality, but it's a complex and intractable issue that may require Congressional intervention.

Statistics:

• $7 billion a year industry expected to be created by opening up white spaces for Wi-Fi.
• 12 months expected for devices to be developed for this new platform.
• 5-0 vote by the FCC to open up white spaces for Wi-Fi.
• 70-80% of available spectrum expected to be available for Wi-Fi after opening up white spaces.

Sources:

• Bloomberg News
• FCC Transcript
• Net Neutrality.net
• CNET News