Broadband on the range. Senate plans may spread high-speed service to rural spots.

Plan would widen rural areas’ access to high-speed service

A proposal to allow wireless broadband providers to use vacant frequencies between TV channels is gaining support in Congress, a development that could deliver high-speed access to underserved rural areas.

Two recently introduced Senate bills would require the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules to accommodate the unlicensed services within six months. The measures, which are garnering bipartisan support, are likely to be discussed at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Tuesday.

Yet, they’re opposed by TV broadcasters that fear the services would disrupt the nation’s transition to digital television.

A bill by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, tries to ensure that broadcasters are protected from interference. A similar bill by Sen. George Allen, R-Va., is co-sponsored by Sens. John Sununu, R-N.H., John Kerry, D-Mass., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., plans a similar measure in the House. The bills could be added to telecom reform this year.

By Paul Davidson, USA TODAY

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2006-03-13-wireless-rural_x.htm