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The problem with that plan is that broadcast radio does not let two stations (in the same general area) share the same frequency, period. So you need to have fr
by tjohns 7y ago
The problem with that plan is that broadcast radio does not let two stations (in the same general area) share the same frequency, period. So you need to have frequency coordination.
Compare with the ISM bands, like 2.4 GHz, where you can use complex digital signaling (e.g. CDMA/TDMA combined with robust error correction and detection) to effectively timeshare the frequency. The only reason this works well is because the frequencies are two-way and severely power limited - and even then the WiFi channels are congested.
Your home WiFi network has a range of a few hundred feet. A broadcast radio station can easily reach hundreds of miles. The reason those broadcast licenses cost so much is because there's just not enough broadcast spectrum to go around.
A better option for most users is to just stream over the Internet.
(That said, I would certainly love to see a chunk of spectrum set aside for low-power ad-hoc/community stations. But I don't think it would work reliably if it ever got popular.)
- squarefoot 7y ago"The problem with that plan is that broadcast radio does not let two stations (in the same general area) share the same frequency, period. So you need to have frequency coordination". Very true. The problem here isn't regulation per se, which I concur is necessary, but the absurd amount of money it costs.
- mindslight 7y agoI was aware of that when I wrote my comment. Also the 2.4GHz has a lower inherent range due to higher frequency and water absorption. I just don't foresee a huge interest in amateur stations being a problem that couldn't be sorted out informally. So Timmy decides to stomp on the broadcast of Tommy a few doors down - they'll figure it out. It certainly can't be worse than the current situation where Tommy isn't broadcasting at all. Perhaps I'm discounting the effects of "100W SWR-tolerant FM Transmitter" on eBay for $60 direct from China. But shrug with the current state of radio consolidation, why not cross that bridge when we come to it? FWIW I would say there is clearly more than enough broadcast spectrum to go around at the current prices, given how much dead space there is.
- jdsully 7y agoIn this situation 1+1=0. If Timmy and Tommy go to war the frequency is effectively useless. Neither will be heard without severe interference.