The FCC voted today on rules that will enable the use of TV white spaces to provide wireless broadband connectivity. Google and Microsoft both issued updates applauding the ruling.
"As more people access information via mobile and other intelligent devices, additional strain is being put on existing wireless networks," said Craig Mundie, Microsoft’s Chief Research and Strategy Officer. "Microsoft appreciates the hard work by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and the other FCC Commissioners and Congress leading up to this vote. Their action will deliver greater broadband connectivity to consumers, and promote growth and investment in a new generation of wireless broadband technologies."
Google’s Richard Whitt said, "Today’s order finally sets the stage for the next generation of wireless technologies to emerge, and is an important victory for Internet users across the country."
According to the Wall Street Journal, Verizon will introduce tiered data pricing over the next four to six months. It might go about it in a different way than AT&T, however. The details have not been ironed out.
Facebook has been experiencing some technical difficulties. A lot of users have repeatedly had trouble accessing the site. The company gave the following statement (via TechCrunch):
We’re currently experiencing some site issues causing Facebook to be slow or unavailable for some users. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.
Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy. Here’s the announcement on that.
