In March 2005, the FCC ruled to open up a new swath of the Public Airwaves (in the 3650-3700 MHz range) for use by Community Wireless Networks, neighborhood organizations, independent ISPs, schools, churches, and anyone else who wanted to create wireless broadband systems.

But now, a coalition of major corporations is fighting to keep this spectrum for themselves -- they want the FCC to reopen the 3650-3700MHz proceedings and get the FCC to overturn its previous decision.

Until August 11, 2005 you can file comments opposing the reopening of the 3650-3700MHz proceedings and stop this pillaging in its tracks.

Here's how you can help save the Public Airwaves in under 5 minutes:

A. Point your browser to gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi

B. Enter "04-151" (without the quotes) as the Proceeding in item one.

C. Select "Reply to Petition for Reconsideration" as the Document Type for item 12 and fill out the rest of the form.

D. Type in your comment in the "Send a Brief Comment to FCC" blue text box towards the bottom of the webpage.

Not sure what to write? All you need is a few sentences or a paragraph identifying yourself and/or your organization and why you think keeping the 3650-3700MHz band open is a good idea -- e.g., it supports equitable access to broadband connectivity, spurs innovation, helps lower infrastructure costs (and thus consumer prices), lessens congestion in urban areas, helps connect rural areas, creates new markets for hardware, etc. etc. etc. Feel free to also thank the FCC for opening up the spectrum in the first place (and always be nice) -- don't forget, FCC staffers are people too.

If scores of people and organizations write in, the FCC will listen. Please take 5 minutes right now to help forge national telecommunications policy in the public interest.