[SCADASEC] Free Wireless Broad band order by the FCC

[Leif Ericksen]

I know that this is not directly SCADA security related or is it?  It
seems that the FCC is going to auction off some spectrum around 25 MHz
and require that the winner provide FREE wireless access on a national
network.  I see this as a potential threat to all connected networks.   

  
http://www.wirelessweek.com/FCC-Free-Wireless-Broadband.aspx
>>>
Here is a cut and paste from the above link:

The FCC is reportedly considering a plan to auction off more airwaves,
this time with the stipulation that the winner would provide free
broadband Internet access to the whole country. A tall order considering
the winning bidder would be paying for the right to build a national
wireless network and then paying to provide free service to millions of
Americans.

The airwaves in question are a 25 MHz block, and the commission would
require that at least a portion of the airwaves be set aside for free
Internet access. The winning bidder would have four years to build out
its network to at least 50% of the population and within 10 years would
be required to reach 95% of the United States population.

So far, no part of the commission’s plan explaining how a company would
fund this effort has been reported. Skeptics also have cited that most
major wireless providers have just refreshed their spectrum holdings at
the commission’s most recent auction, or through acquisitions. These
objections, however, do not rule out that some companies would still be
interested.

Startup M2Z Networks proposed a similar plan to the FCC last year, only
it wanted the spectrum for free. The company hoped it could pay for the
expense of building the network through advertising dollars and selling
subscriptions for consumers who wanted faster service. M2Z also offered
to pay the U.S. Treasury 5% of its revenue for use of the airwaves.
>>>

That is between the 12 Meter(24.890-24.990 MHz) and 10 Meter
(28.0-29.70MHz) Ham hands and a harmonic 6 Meters (50 MHz) I sure hope
that wireless does not give ham bands and bleed over interference.  I
know the CBs have given the ham bands some issues at times.  I can see
it now linear amplifiers for 25 MHz so that you have some power to make
your network work!

--
Leif Ericksen
73 DE N9SRW
Towers are expensive so I have a Ham tower donation page:
https://cipsecurity.us/ham/ plus something my wife wants.