There is some big news buried under Obama’s election win:  the FCC has adopted rules allowing for unlicensed use of some TV spectrum.

This is HUGE news.

Spectrum is a finite resource, and it’s availability (or lack of) is a limiting factor in satisfying growing demand for new services.  Most spectrum use requires a license, and incumbent license holders are quite adept at forming barriers against new competitors (good luck trying to start a new cellphone provider, for example).  The FCC occasionally auctions off spectrum, but that policy is fundamentally flawed (IMHO) if the goal is maximum benefit to the people.

Historically, the most disruptive and pervasive  applications have been unlicensed (e.g. Part 15), where, like the Internet, you don’t need someone’s permission to innovate.  Think of CB radio, cordless phones, the Family Radio Service, remote control of all kinds, low power FM, wireless headsets, Bluetooth and Wifi.

More unlicensed spectrum means more good stuff.