Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Military Seeks Restrictions on Wi-Fi
Posted by Janak Parekh in "NEWS" @ 11:01 AM
(link requires registration) This was bound to happen in the interest of "national security": the US military is worried that consumer Wi-Fi technologies will interfere with their own radio and radar infrastructure, and is particularly looking to delay the opening of additional 5-GHz radio spectrum. They're especially concerned about the new frequency-hopping technologies to be established in those bands.
Sigh. :? Where do I start with this? First, this would be a major blow to the wireless and technology industries in the US - the future is wireless. Second, the military can only regulate US airspace. It's not like European airspace, or even Canadian/South American airspace, is under jurisdiction, so by restricting use they're only going to stifle US innovation and communication, while getting only very limited benefits. Third, if anything, potential "enemies" would be smart enough to fly "under the radar", restrictions or not. Fourth, are they just restricting as much as they can in the name of national security, or is it legitimate? For what it's worth, the article says there have been no reported conflicts so far.
Sigh. :? Where do I start with this? First, this would be a major blow to the wireless and technology industries in the US - the future is wireless. Second, the military can only regulate US airspace. It's not like European airspace, or even Canadian/South American airspace, is under jurisdiction, so by restricting use they're only going to stifle US innovation and communication, while getting only very limited benefits. Third, if anything, potential "enemies" would be smart enough to fly "under the radar", restrictions or not. Fourth, are they just restricting as much as they can in the name of national security, or is it legitimate? For what it's worth, the article says there have been no reported conflicts so far.
