Government warns of wireless network congestion again, rides iPad to push its spectrum agenda

The feds simply aren't backing down from their incessant warnings of a wireless broadband spectrum crunch the likes of which the world has never seen, and they've seemingly found a great vehicle -- the iPad -- to help spread the message just a little further (and at a higher volume) than before. This time around, it's the Omnibus Broadband Initiative's director of scenario planning Phil Bellaria who's sounding the alarm, saying that the iPad foretells "even greater demand for mobile broadband on the horizon" and asking that the people with the money and the power (the carriers and the FCC, respectively) do what it takes to make sure that the nation's broadband infrastructure and policy are appropriately managed in light of that. Perhaps most provocative is his statement that "reaching an always-on wireless broadband future means that the spectrum can no longer remain attached solely to uses deemed valuable decades ago," possibly a veiled reference to the FCC's ongoing spat with TV broadcasters over the future of over-the-air broadcasts. Free TV or an iPad with a fast, functional browsing experience -- if it came down to it, which would you prefer?

[iPaul Posted Feb 4th 2010 6:05PM]

Perhaps the FCC should explain to Apple that it should spread the load to other networks. (Verizon,Sprint and so on)

[Naris Posted Feb 4th 2010 6:36PM]

I find this development has me actually cheering for the iPad...

Hey if it ignites the growth of wireless broadband, it's got to be a good thing.

[Accidental Posted Feb 4th 2010 6:45PM]

Funny that Apple chose for the iPad to use the already crammed AT&T spectrum. It's going to be excruciatingly slow via 3G and AT&T customers are going to experience a more significant slow-down and congestion.

[boomhower Posted Feb 4th 2010 6:58PM]

TV or faster wireless internet? Give me a more internet speed. I haven't checked the figures lately but I imagine the percentage of households that still use OTA are pretty darn small. I am sure something can be worked out to subsidize basic cable for those that truly can't afford it. Heck, take you wireless device that has some sort of TV out and you have free TV via hulu and other sources. OTA TV takes up way to much bandwidth for the percentage of people that use, IMHO of course.

[joebob Posted Feb 4th 2010 7:07PM]

@boomhower
Not subsidized cable (as in TV), but subsidized broadband internet.

[Maverick128 Posted Feb 4th 2010 7:16PM]

I'll take the free TV thank you. I can't afford cable, (plus there's still never anything on,) and I would never want an iPad. I watch Family Guy, Craig Ferguson, Fringe, and Two and a Half Men/Friends reruns. I'm good. Soooo, yeah.

[Firehazel Posted Feb 5th 2010 1:15PM]

@Maverick128
Yeah, although I want an iPad... but those who will want one: STAY at home and USE wifi...

[therodt Posted Feb 4th 2010 7:39PM]

I will take the Free TV, Fix the fiber and lets face it it is not the end of the world.

[Carld Posted Feb 4th 2010 8:10PM]

Free TV, we shouldn't make other people pay, just so you can play on your new Apple toy.

[manofchao5 Posted Feb 4th 2010 8:12PM]

i'd rather have free hd channels with good bandwidth
but with companies like comcast around thats not gonna happen
so i will go with the ipad instead

[speckledpig Posted Feb 4th 2010 8:29PM]

Well, there goes ham radio. :(

73,
David

[derekisthematrix Posted Feb 4th 2010 8:53PM]

@speckledpig
I was worrying about the same thing.

over...

[FauxNews Posted Feb 4th 2010 10:03PM]

The pop up notification is genius!

[PaloAltoWorldView Posted Feb 4th 2010 10:26PM]

"moar"??? And these people want to take control of all of health care, too?

[janbeckman Posted Feb 4th 2010 10:32PM]

Anybody still know how to spell more?

[UnReal31337 Posted Feb 4th 2010 10:43PM]

Just like how we moved from the Landline to VoIP, we should move TV the same direction, over the net.

[rpkone26 Posted Feb 5th 2010 12:01AM]

There is a very simple answer to viewing tv on Ipad. Do what I do, Use a Slingbox - Now that At&t is allowing slingplayer to play Via 3G, you could theoretically bring a tv everywhere you bring your ipad (or mac, or iphone ect.) Without the worry of No Wifi (if you have the 3G ipad)

[BrownSound Posted Feb 5th 2010 12:11AM]

"needs more spectrum" lol buts its already so magical

[brockorr Posted Feb 5th 2010 12:22AM]

Why isn't this a poll question? I would pick the iPad.

[liin Posted Feb 5th 2010 12:52AM]

I don't watch TV ( has being going on for 6 years now ), so...

[SamTime Posted Feb 5th 2010 5:22AM]

Free tv ftw!

[Pies Posted Feb 5th 2010 5:26AM]

I don't even have a tv anymore.

[GenKhan2 Posted Feb 5th 2010 10:30AM]

I'll take free TV like I have now, thanks. Considering TV costs upwards of $100 while wireless data costs less than $60. Not to mention the gap in pricing continues to accelerate with TV costs increasing far faster. Besides, wireless is crap (iPhone owner here). Seriously. No, I'm not kidding. Give me a network cable to plug in. Better experience all around.

[MAS Posted Feb 5th 2010 11:40AM]

Maybe the FCC should free-up the airwaves by outlawing the iPhone and iPad.

Apple is hogging all of the bandwidth, make them fix

[nthn2551 Posted Feb 5th 2010 1:50PM]

"moar spectrum"... as in more spectrum? Did I miss something?