Earlier quoted context omitted.
> They are talking about terahertz bands that aren't suitable for distance communication, the ranges are practically measured in centimeters. If this argument had merit, light would be unsuitable for long-distance communication.
Water vapor in these bands is a strong absorber limiting distance in earth's atmosphere to ~10 meters or less. Subtract a good deal for omnidirectional emissions and decent snr.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Atm...
Water and water vapor has the same effect on the visual part of the spectrum also, but this doesn't reduce people's enthusiasm for it as a potential communications medium.