The FCC voted unanimously today to open up unused TV frequencies for use by wireless devices. Companies such as Google and Microsoft had lobbied hard for the ruling. Broadcasters opposed it, claiming that the devices would interfere with TV broadcasts. The FCC’s ruling contains conditions upon which such devices can be licensed:
“The rules will allow for both fixed and personal/portable unlicensed devices. Such devices must include a geolocation capability and provisions to access over the Internet a database of the incumbent services, such as full power and low power TV stations and cable system headends, in addition to spectrum-sensing technology. The data base will tell the white space device what spectrum may be used at that location. Wireless microphones will be protected in a variety of ways. The locations where wireless microphones are used, such as sporting venues and event and production facilities, can be registered in the database and will be protected in the same way as other services. The Commission also has required that devices include the ability to listen to the airwaves to sense wireless microphones as an additional measure of protection for these devices. All white space devices are subject to equipment certification by the FCC Laboratory. The Laboratory will request samples of the devices for testing to ensure that they meet all thepertinent requirements.”
To view the FCC’s ruling and the statements of each Commission, go to the FCC’s website.
Tech companies such as Google have fought for the opening of the TV “white spaces” as a way to expand broadband access, especially in rural areas, and to counterbalance the power of incumbent DSL and cable operators. Others have been more skeptical, claiming that the TV white space frequencies are ideal for voice communications but not for data.
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