[Commotion-discuss] Interesting discussion on WISPA listserv about the cable ISP hotspots

[Joshua Breitbart]

Is there any way to regulate that kind of hardware and noise pollution
at the local level?

On 11/15/13 12:03 PM, Ben West wrote:
> There is an interesting discussion going on right now on the WISPA listserv
> (Wireless Internet Service Provider Association) about the hotspots being
> hung on coax lines by US cable ISPs like Comcast, Time Warner, etc to
> distribute service via 802.11 to existing subscribers.
> 
> This was brought about by Comcast's recent appeal to the FCC to free up
> more of the 5.GHz band for more "unlicensed" use (aka so they can use the
> band for cheaper):
> http://corporate.comcast.com/comcast-voices/comcast-testifies-to-congress-today-in-support-of-gigabit-wi-fi-2
> http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/496570-Comcast_to_Congress_Freeing_Up_More_5_GHZ_WiFi_Spectrum_Is_Crucial.php?rssid=20065
> 
> The WISPA discussion archive is only visible to list members, but those
> interested should be able to subscribe here:
> http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
> 
> The actual hotspot being deployed is a product made by Ruckus, which
> apparently retails for a thrifty 5000$US.
> http://www.ruckuswireless.com/press/releases/20130610-ruckus-adds-zoneflex-7781cm-access-point-to-its-portfolio
> http://www.ruckuswireless.com/products/zoneflex-outdoor/7781cm
> 
> Much of the discussion on the WISPA lists includes concern over the cable
> operators' apparent apathy over the spectrum pollution they cause (possibly
> in 2.4GHz *and* 5.8GHz) by scattering these devices all over creation.  It
> would seem that ensuring appropriate TX power levels, so that even the
> cable operators' own subscribers get good connection to the APs, may not be
> a high priority. :(
> 
> A potential upshot is that the very high price for the Ruckus unit could be
> used by listmembers here for their own funding applications, to the effect
> of, "the cable company pays $5000 for just one of their fancy hotspots!
> The same funds could build a mesh across this entire block."  Member of the
> WISPA list have already jumped on this very fact, too.
> 
> 
> 
> 
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