The USDA loaned a company named Open Range $261 million to put up a few repeaters (WISPs) for Globalstar Satellite's 2 GHZ low earth orbit satellites. They're adding VOIP to the mix. My problem is that Open Range is wiring areas that already have DSL & cable. The USDA Broadband program is for rural areas; not populated communities. Half the places they're going to don't know what a farm is. Apparently the USDA forgot too.
The cable tv industry was built by mom & pops. For the most part, mom & pops are building rural WISPs today. Globalstar says: "Globalstar may potentially offer an all IP overlay network to various terrestrial wireless operators who currently only offer voice and low rate data services". May potentially? May potentially means no. Mom & pops should have equal access at the same price the big boys pay or the USDA shouldn't loan these guys a penny.
I'm not thrilled that the FCC uses their web site to promote any particular business either.
