FCC approves free wireless band

A free wireless spectrum could allow low-income individuals to have permanent internet access

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved new spectrum for use as a free public broadband channel.

The FCC published the results of a study conducted in September regarding the potential for interference with other channels.

T-Mobile had informed the FCC of its own study which claimed that devices using the AWS-3 band proposed for the free channel would experience harmful interference from the nearby commercial AWS-1 band.

The mobile firm had contended that such interference could leave its paying customers unable to use their devices.

In response, the FCC conducted a series of tests which it said had not only replicated T-Mobile's reported conditions, but found instances in which worse interference was possible.

"The FCC has generally adopted standards that balance the risk of potential interference against a variety of other factors, including the impact those standards may have on the potential uses of spectrum," said the report.

To avoid further risks, the FCC left open the possibility for expanding the spectrum in order to further lower the potential for interference.

A free wireless spectrum is being championed by FCC chairman Kevin Martin, who views the network as a way to allow low-income individuals to have permanent internet access.

The plan involves using a portion of the wireless spectrum currently occupied by analogue TV broadcasts as a free wireless internet channel.

The plan has been championed by companies such as Google, but has been fiercely opposed by telcos.