[1st-mile-nm] Possible new FCC rules would ban firmware mod to WiFi devices

[John Brown]

Right now, the FCC is considering a proposal to require manufacturers
to lock down computing devices (routers, PCs, phones) to prevent
modification if they have a "modular wireless radio"[1][2] or a device
with an "electronic label"[3]. The rules would likely:

Restrict installation of alternative operating systems on your PC,
like GNU/Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, etc.
Prevent research into advanced wireless technologies, like mesh
networking and bufferbloat fixes
Ban installation of custom firmware on your Android phone
Discourage the development of alternative free and open source WiFi
firmware, like OpenWrt
Infringe upon the ability of amateur radio operators to create high
powered mesh networks to assist emergency personnel in a disaster.
Prevent resellers from installing firmware on routers, such as for
retail WiFi hotspots or VPNs, without agreeing to any condition a
manufacturer so chooses.

Goto   http://archive.is/tGCkU#selection-53.0-95.158

This is NOT GOOD for rural broadband deployment..