ITWorld: IEEE issues WiFi spec that could expand hot spot from 60 feet to 60 miles

paladin's picture
Submitted by paladin on Fri, 07/29/2011 - 3:58pm
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This new spec would allow wireless in the UHF and VHF (previously only for open air tv signals) bands. From the article:

Because the UHF and VHF signals travel farther and more clearly than other WiFi signals the distance at which they can make fast connections is vastly greater than any of IEEE's other WLAN flavors most cell networks and even the much-anticipated but so far disappointing WiMax.

IEEE pitches the protocol as a way to reach remote or rural areas that have little access to broadband or the Internet at all except through dial-up.

How fast are we talking? 22Mbit/sec. Not bad for a signal that can go up to 62 miles. And the name of the new standard? 802.22. Now maybe the cellphone companies will have some competition and they'll stop raping us for our 500 MB/month caps.

Full article: http://www.itworld.com/mobile-wireless/187227/ieee-issues-wifi-spec-coul...

What do you think? Would you subscribe to such a service? Comment below.

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Comments

bobf

Thu, 08/04/2011 - 11:36am

Yes.

Or at least, there's a very good chance.

I currently enjoy the best - and fastest - service I've ever had. Which is to say, I now HAVE an adequate option. Prior to cable internet, I suffered through, and paid through the nose for, DSL service, which never successfully ran in excess of ~2Mbps, through (quite evidently) old POTS equipment in DIRE need of service. I was paying for 7 Mbps service, but NEVER saw HALF that level in practice. And my current service, repeatably verifiable, now provides me twice what DSL should've been providing all along.

Now, my wife has 'issues' with our cable (and phone) service provider... And naturally, I won't hear of it. "I have good service now, bugger off and leave me to it!"

A real, viable alternative would be nice. 'Cuz going back to DSL *AIN'T*!!

Yes, please; bring me REAL competition in the market! (And where the hell is FiOS in Canada?!?! Let's bring THAT on, shall we!?! 'Cuz honestly, WHO wants more than two players competing in the market at one time? Hmm?!) (Hint, hint: PICK ME, PICK ME! <^8#)

Bob. <^8#