Document Actions
Battle Heats Up for TV Spectrum "White Space" Use
The FCC recently announced that it would begin a second series of tests for proposed unlicensed band devices that would use the so-called "white space" between digital TV channels.
The first rounds of testing turned up interference issues. But the major proponents of these devices including Microsoft, Philips, Google, Motorola and Adaptrum have convinced the FCC to test some new units.
Testing will include units from Adaptrum, Microsoft, Philips and Motorola. Testing will begin on January 24 and will consist of both bench testing and field testing which will each take four to six weeks. A full report of results will be provided four to six weeks after testing is concluded.
As with most things wireless, if it is worthwhile, it is worth fighting over and so Sprint and T-Mobile have proposed to the FCC that it only allow licensed, fixed wireless use in the "white space" areas, which they would like to use for backhaul to support their respective, emerging 4G networks. And also because they claim that the access lines they have to buy to supply connectivity to communications towers are too expensive. As might be expected AT&T and Verizon and others, which supply many of those wireline backhaul lines are likely to not support this effort.
Obviously at this point we don't know if the devices will work without interference. Broadcasters seem to think that unlicensed use could interfere with broadcast signals. This should be an interesting battle. And it is really indicative of the value that carriers are placing on lower frequency wireless in the context of an emerging broadband wireless network for the US. Carriers think it is really important spectrum.
Tim Sanders,
www.TheFinalMile.net
_____
tags:
