FCC to rule on white space channels

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The Federal Communications Commission is expected to rule next week whether to open up unused television channels for use as wireless broadband service, which could be a boon for rural states like Vermont, where these so-called white spaces are abundant.

The decision expected Nov. 4 could also boost Vermont’s efforts to extend high-speed Internet service to the entire state by 2010.

On Monday, the Vermont Telecommunications Authority urged supporters to contact the FCC by Tuesday’s deadline for public comment.

Chairwoman Mary Evslin says the frequencies are well-suited for carrying broadband across Vermont’s mountainous terrain.

Google and Microsoft are lobbying for the proposal while the National Association of Broadcasters, joined by ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, is challenging it.

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