Basically unused over the air TV channels, and the technology has been shown to be feasible, so the F.C.C. voted unanimously to approve the change.

Basically, it means that anyone who makes a device that works properly, basically senses and avoids around the spectrum, can use it.

Things like device certification and the specific regulations still have to be devised though.

This is good news, as the old TV channels give significant advances relative to WiFi in range, penetration, and bandwith.

The broadcasters oppose this, because, quoting a friend in the biz:

1) NIMBY.

2) Bad precedent for broadcasters. They have made everybody believe they OWN this spectrum. Now they don’t.

3) [David] Rehr, who assumed control of the NAB in 2005 after Eddie Fritz retired, has not managed to get a single major policy win. After losing badly on XM-Sirius, he desperately needs a win to avoid getting the boot.

The wireless microphone industry opposes this too, but for a different reason, they already use the spectrum illegally and don’t want a change.

I’ve worked on installations of mission critical military equipment, though, in deference to the some comments that I got, it was not hand held, it was vehicle mounted.