Ah, thank you it is the old White Space debate with a twist.
To the OP... Yes we want unlicensed access to the white space. Yes it has great range. Even a low power levels. Antennas are a bit larger but not larger than a TV antenna (naturally).
I put up a couple of 700 MHz links for Virginia broadband a few years ago. One was at 60' on poles through more than a mile of heavy forest on the south shore of the Patomac. Worked a treat. The other was about a mile LOS over urban cover but it ran at 1 mw on each end. It was near NSWC Dahlgren. It was a backup and is probably still running. I'm pretty sure they were both illegal but I don't really care as I am no longer employed by that company. he he
Aye, access to the white space would enable much larger coverage areas per pop in forested areas. It would not really help people on the great plains much as 5.8 is vastly superior out there.
The major carriers have been trying to kill the idea all along but hint that the FCC would sell licenses in that spectrum and watch them change their tune. It is sad really, it doesn't matter which party is in charge, the FCC will whore to the highest bidder all the time...
As an aside, I am surprised but proud that PBS called Karl a party pooper.... Well done Karl.