Perens' proposal

Posted Oct 16, 2015 16:27 UTC (Fri) by nybble41 (subscriber, #55106)
In reply to: Perens' proposal by david.a.wheeler
Parent article: WiFi routers: from lockdown to lock-open

> Bruce Perens has proposed a compromise proposal that still enables FLOSS, but doesn't require proprietary vendors to release their source code.

The compatibility with open-source software seems to me to be superficial at best. The proposed rule would require an FCC-approved "GROL+Radio-licensed developer" to sign off on the source code for any binary distribution of a WiFi driver. As I see it, that means that no one can compile their own standard Linux kernel (with the WiFi drivers enabled) and distribute the binaries to others without obtaining approval from someone with that license. Every Linux distribution would need to keep someone around with that license to sign off on any updates to the kernel.

The proposed rule should be modified such that only OEM software requires sign-off. Anyone installing third-party software is responsible for their own compliance. Or better yet, scrap the proposed rule entirely; this isn't a problem which needs fixing. Either way, individuals should be permitted to work together to develop, share, and utilize their preferred software, including WiFi drivers, on their own hardware without licensing requirements or other third-party interference.