Daily Marauder

WIRELESS

Google and other tech companies won a big battle in Washington today. In an Election Day meeting, the FCC approved the unlicensed use of “white spaces” spectrum newly freed up as a result of TV broadcasters going from analog to digital broadcasts. Google has long been leading the lobbying effort to turn this spectrum into a sort of WiFi 2.0. Telecom companies and sports leagues opposed opening up the spectrum, claiming that it would interfere with wireless headsets and other devices that use nearby licensed airwaves. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/11/04/googles-election-day-victory-fcc-approves-unlicensed-use-of-white-spaces-spectrum 11/4)

It’s been nearly five months since Verizon announced their plans to buy out Alltel, but they’ve finally leaped the last hurdle. Just minutes ago, the FCC signed off on the $28.1 billion dollar deal (Verizon is paying $5.9 billion, and assuming $22.2 billion of Alltel’s debt.), clearing the way for its finalization. (http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2008/11/04/fcc-gives-verizonalltel-buyout-the-greenlight 11/4)

According to the “Mobile Market View” study released today by The Kelsey Group, 18.9% of mobile consumers in the United States are now toting smartphones, with 49.2% planning to pick one up within the next two years. (http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2008/11/03/19-of-us-mobile-consumers-now-using-smartphones-according-to-study 11/3)