Despite the opposition of many broadcasters, producers and other franchises, the Federal Communications Commission approved with a unanimous 5 to 0 vote the new use of the country’s unlicensed frequencies, also known as white spaces. The decision is based on FCC’s hopes that the new direction will lead to low cost, high-speed Internet access all across the country and also a whole new series of wireless devices.

Everyone involved in the counter campaign warned about the risks associated with this free use, as they believe that their transmissions (television signals, wireless microphones used for live performances and so on) will be affected by the new devices. “We are deeply disappointed with the F.C.C. decision that could silence Broadway productions and those at other venues around the country,” stated Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the Broadway League, which is a trade group representing the New York theater industry.

FCC’s commissioners assured both parts that the tests completed by its officials did not reach any alarming results and that the interference is not considered a major risk. “It’s fair to say few other engineering analyses at the F.C.C. have been as lengthy and open,” said Michael J. Copps, one of the commissioners involved in the process, referring to the intense testing sessions made over the past years.

FCC’s chairman, Mr. Kevin J. Martin explained that the tests did record a potential for disruption on certain frequencies used by broadcasters and live theatre performances but he strongly believes that ensuring tight regulation on the new devices, these problems will not become critical. The commission will demand for each device to present certain technological features in order to receive the certification and if a location’s channels will be protected for use by incumbent broadcasters, the devices will need a new channel to transmit on. He also added that the devices developed for the use of the spectrum could be released on the market in about one year, and will include portable communications gadgets and also in-home electronics that could be used for connecting a computer with a television set.

Among the companies that received the news with great enthusiasm are Google, Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard, which will record significant benefits from the spread of Internet access. Motorola is also one of companies excited with the decision. Its president and co-chief executive Greg Brown said that “The F.C.C. has taken a significant step to usher in a new era of technology allowing for major investments in innovative wireless broadband.”

Motorola’s Senior Director of Spectrum and Regulatory Policy Steve Sharkey talked to PCMag about the benefits of white spaces. He explained that because the broadband uses low frequencies, the signal easily passes through buildings, other obstacles and varied terrain, needing just one access point in order to successfully cover a 50-mile radius.

Each company will try to get its products out as soon as possible in order to make up for lost time. During the six year wait some of them might have actually finished the work on some of the new devices.