According to Bloomberg.com the FCC has approved a proposal by Google to utilize unused television airwaves for wireless internet access. Approved by a vote of 5-0 yesterday, this will ultimately allow for free Wi-Fi web access, especially in rural areas.
Any devices built to access the free wireless web will be required to utilize anti-interference technology, and makers of such devices will need to obtain FCC certification for each product.
Craig Mundie, Chief Strategy Officer for Microsoft noted a week ago, that if the FCC approval went through, that devices might be available to the public in as early as 12 months.
While this may take us one step closer to free internet for everyone, I think I may just prefer to pay for my access as I can only imagine the ads we will be bombarded with for this free access – it has to be paid for somehow. A PDF released by the FCC is available with more information.