This decision could turn out to be the greatest opportunity for entrepreneurialism and innovation since pioneering pastors and evangelists experimented with new technology nearly a hundred years ago.
The FCC voted 5-0 on September 23, 2010 to open “white space spectrum”–radio frequencies previously used for analog television transmissions–for wireless broadband. This is the first significant release of unlicensed spectrum in more than two decades and will open the way to what has been dubbed ‘Super WiFi.’
The frequencies will be both free and unlicensed. “This new spectrum will be a powerful platform for innovation,” FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said.
“When we unleash American ingenuity, great things happen.”
Broadcasters will now be able to build wireless broadband networks without having to obtain permission to transmit. Get ready for “Wi-Fi on steroids” devices in the home, office and even vehicles that will seamlessly share data.
Writing for ZDNet, here’s how Dana Blankenhorn put it. “With Super WiFi our dreams for the Internet (and our nightmares as well) are becoming reality. Ubiquitous broadband Internet coverage, available to any device, accessing the answer to any question, telling us the status of everything and everyone, all the time.”
This is not your father’s broadcasting…this is the new generation of broadband. The industrial age is over. Welcome to the Digital Age.
Phil Cooke said in a recent post that the transition from one era to another is forcing churches and ministries to let go of old methods that brought success in the past. It is also producing unparalleled opportunity.
It’s time for a renewal of the pioneer spirit and radical new approaches.
On September 21-22, 2010, I watched Steven Furtick, senior pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C. preach to a live Web audience for 24 hours straight. To me, this was a radical use of online technology for preaching the word, delivering the pastor’s central message on audacious faith, and commemorating the release of Furtick’s first book.
Furtick acknowledged that Sun Stand Still Day was a gimmick, but added, “it was a celebration of what God had put on his heart to share with the world.” Along with Furtick preaching a portion of every hour, the day included interviews and videos, free resources for churches, live Q&A using Twitter and Facebook, live chat on an interactive website, and a live worldwide prayer experience.
Just a few years ago it would have taken hundreds of thousands of dollars to pull off a similar campaign using traditional channels of media and marketing. If there had been a live broadcast, it most probably would not have been on TV. It definitely would not have been broadcast to a global audience. A worldwide audience of thousands tuned in, tweeted and blogged about the event. It was covered by national media as well.
Pioneers like Steven Furtick and Elevation Church are exploring new ways of delivering the gospel. Promoting these endeavors can spur others to experiment.
One of the goals for this blog is to track and report on media and technology innovation. Social media has made it possible to research, experiment and gain insights from new media pioneers in real-time. Joining with others to share ideas can accelerate the process. The more ideas collectively put on the virtual whiteboard the better.
There are no gatekeepers around here to say “that won’t work.” One radical idea in alignment with a radically powerful God’s plans can have radical impact.
Your people will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls. Isaiah 58:12
The FCC has opened another door to Christian communicators. With this new spectrum, and other channels of innovation, new platforms can be built for delivering the ageless, never changing truths of God’s word.
I sense that God has been preparing a group of pioneers for the expedition. Courageous explorers with audacious faith. Men and women willing to put everything on the line to help shape Christian media for the next 100 years.
With all due respect to the Chairman, when the Church unleashes God’s creativity, even greater things happen.
Question: What new product, process, service or idea have you experienced lately?