 |
 |
 |
|
What is the Frequency?
I'm not sure I agree with the amount or even the reason behind the FCC fines, but they do serve a part in keeping alive the (dying) idea that the frequency spectrum is a natural resource that is owned by the 'people'. We can argue about whether this fine is in the best interest of 'the people' or not (and we probably agree on that) but the idea that there is someone overseeing a natural resource like the frequency spectrum is a one that should be kept alive. In the last decade, we've seen this concept of, well, this 'open' concept of frequency under assualt from government budget auditors (who like to 'auction off' the spectrum) and the 'privacy' groups who mandate that I can no longer buy a radio that has the capability of utilizing certain frequencies (scanners that pick up analog phones). Imagine the park service auctioning off part of Yellowstone, or saying "this is a no go area" eventhough it is a beautiful space, etc. Anyway--just speaking off the top of my head here, but I do worry that we are depleting the limited national resource of the frequency spectrum in response to corporate desires, budgetary pressures, and privacy weenies.
|
