Spectrum Pollution was Re: [MLB-WIRELESS] ITNews Story.

[Michael Borthwick]

I think this was a rather disappointing statement:

"While community groups have been blamed for spectrum pollution caused
by the
over amplification of signals, Groth said the gear required to do this
starts at around
$700, putting it out of the price range of most community users. "

Rather than take advantage of an opportunity to correct the
misinformation that IDS have been spreading about irresponsible spectrum
use by community wireless groups the above implies that community users
would happily use amps if they weren't "out of the price range of most
community users."

The entire concept of "spectrum pollution" a disgrace  - it implies that
some packets are more equal than others - that non-commercial community
use of the spectrum "pollutes" the specturm. In fact community use was
one of the reasons that this thin sliver of spectrum was set aside, and
various statements by Government appear to support endeavours in this
area.

One of the most important normative functions of a community wireless
group is to educate members and the public about responsible RF use - I
have seen no evidence of irresponsible spectrum use by community groups
- in fact I think we are highly aware of the need to use this precious
resource carefully.

We need to combat the "spectrum pollution" meme. It first appeared in
the IDS submission, and despite the emotive and irrational tone of that
submission this powerful, simplistic and incorrect idea is gathering
momentum.

I'm disappointed that the ITNews story contains implicit acceptance of
the notion.


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