Mundie predicted a new wave of innovation involving devices and Internet-based services, and predicted the "creative solutions" to existing problems, such as a lack of inexpensive broadband services in rural areas.

However, Microsoft will face huge challenges of its own. In addition to having to develop technologies that can utilize these spectrums, it will also have to deal with opposition from broadcasters and telcos. The National Association of Broadcasters has long warned about white space services and devices , and wireless carriers are worried about their own business models being undermined by new competition from Microsoft, Google, and other companies.

Observers seem generally supportive of the FCC decision for .

The reaction of carriers was not immediately clear. The Industry Standard has a call into Verizon seeking comment, and will post an update here if the company responds.

Update: Verizon's David Fish says Verizon does not have any comment about the FCC vote, but he did point the Standard to earlier statements by Verizon Vice President Thomas Tauke, who helps guide the company's public affairs initiatives in Washington. In August, Tauke that Verizon "favored licensed spectrum," but was concerned about the potential for services or new devices to interfere with Verizon's own products.