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Old TV Frequencies for "Super Wifi"?

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Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) suggest governments should not auction off old TV frequencies to the highest bidders-- instead they be used to create a free "super wifi" network.

KIT super wifiOld TV frequencies allow the transmission of wifi over lower frequencies , resulting in coverage as wide as several kilometres in radius. Such a network could replace pricey mobile services of the 4G variety, leading to far wider mobile internet use.

Current wifi technology operates at high frequencies of 2GHz and above.

The KIT researchers say they also have a technique for the prevention network congestion via the reserving of a 90MHz interval in the UHF bands. Another argument in favour is that in any case the general public should be given preference to the use of electronics communications.

“Implementation of our approach would have far-reaching consequences. Individuals, institutions, and companies would be far less dependent on expensive mobile communications networks in conducting their digital communication," researcher Arnd Weber says. "This would also be of great economic benefit.”

Other suggested uses for the "super wifi" network include "program making and special events" technology (namely stage microphones and cameras) and disaster relief services.

However not everyone agrees with the proposition-- the Nobel Prize winning economist Ronald Coase insisted the market should decide on the optimal use of finite resources such as radio frequencies, while economist and political consultant Martin Cave says only high GHz ranges should be open to the public.

Go Study Supports Free "Super Wifi"