FCC Opens Up Bandwidth–What Does This Mean?
The FCC announced last week that it will open up bandwidth in the current broadcast spectrum for Wi-Fi development and use.
Why does this matter? What does it mean?
Well, I have been kicking around the idea of adding an iPhone to my collection of gadgets. Ultimately, I decided not to do this. My decision was based largely on cost. Once I added everything up, my cable, Internet, home phone, and cell service combined could buy a modest home in some parts of the country. Now, let me begin by saying that because of the exclusive contract that Apple has with AT&T this FCC decision may not impact this particular device in the very near future. However, the FCC’s decision, which you can read about on ZDNet, will likely create more competition and more powerful wireless Internet service options. The reasons for this are largely detailed in the “Winners” and “Losers” section of the report that I’ve referenced above.
In the end, I like this decision by the FCC and look forward to better options that are more affordable. This decision also seems to support some of the contentions that have been circulating over the past decade. Many have predicted the death of desktop computing and the recent decision is a step in that direction because these mobile technologies that are likely to appear will provide an opportunity for a re-evauluation of the interface design, of which the IPhone is already deeply engaged. Simpler and more intuitive interfaces combined with users’ experimentation with these interfaces is likely to result in a variety of new appearances and uses. Take a look at this lengthy video from Google (one of ZDNet’s Winners in this decision):
I doubt that desktop and application-based computing will die anytime soon, but it is fair to say that all media shift toward portability as they develop. Books went to paperback styles that fit in pockets; radio added the transisitor and moved into cars; portable DVD players and handheld videogame devices made long car trips with the kids enjoyable; and the Internet is already in the hands of many users. In the end, I’m suggesting that folks sit back and see what happens next. The ripple effect of this decision, combined with technological development, adoption practices, and industrial strategies should make the next few years an exciting time to live, participate, and observe.
Tags: FCC, interfaces, mobile technology, Web 2.0
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