The Washington Post reports a group of companies including Microsoft and Google had hoped to convince the FCC that using unused UHF television channels for broadband. But the unlicensed 700 MHz devices didn’t pass the FCC muster, according to a report released this week by the FCC (pdf report and notice).
They would NOT use the licensed 700 MHz frequencies that will be auctioned off early next year. Like WiFi devices — these devices and cards would be unlicensed, but utilize unused television channels in the UHF band. They would transmit after they determined that a channel was “clear”.
After four months of testing, the agency concluded that the devices either interfered with TV signals or could not detect them in order to skirt them.Now the coalition of companies backing the devices, which includes Dell, Intel, EarthLink, Hewlett-Packard and Philips, is going back to the drawing board, possibly to redesign the devices and meet with FCC engineers to explore other options.
The FCC said Tuesday that it would continue experimenting with such devices, which use vacant TV frequencies.
The companies’ goal is to find a way to use the idle TV spectrum, known as white space, to carry Internet service to rural areas, homes and offices without relying on existing wireless carriers.
Such devices would be embedded in laptops or cellphones. Proponents of the technology argue that an Internet service using TV spectrum could be less expensive and more accessible, forcing other high-speed Internet service providers to drop their prices.
The FCC’s recent findings are a setback for the companies hoping the TV airwaves could be used with portable consumer devices that could send information to a wider audience. The companies said in a written statement that they “remain confident that unlicensed television spectrum can be used without interference.”
The airwaves will be available when TV broadcasters move to digital signals in early 2009.
“The test results prove that portable unlicensed devices should not be allowed to operate in TV spectrum,” said Mark Brunner, senior director of brand management at Shure Inc., which makes wireless microphones and other audio equipment. “I think it reflects the technical challenge of cooperating in this spectrum.”
Analysts said the technology is promising, particularly if it proves to be cheaper and helps extend high-speed Internet access to rural areas.
According to RCR News, the FCC’s Martin earlier this year told the Senate Commerce Committee that freeing up white spaces on an unlicensed basis would be far less complicated than licensing the frequencies.
Two panel members are pushing TV white spaces legislation. Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.), is sponsoring a bill that would expedite the release of TV white space and permit both unlicensed and licensed services. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is calling for exclusive unlicensed use of vacant broadcast spectrum currently employed as guard bands.
The high-tech sector—represented by the White Spaces Coalition remains confident it can build Wi-Fi products that meet FCC requirements.
Broadcasters are concerned that rules previously proposed may not be sufficient to protect TV viewers from interference, says TV Technology. The Association for Maximum Service Television announced a paper, “Why Unlicensed Use of Vacant TV Spectrum Will Cause Interference to DTV Viewers (pdf),” by Victor Tawil and Bruce Franca.
It counters claims made by the New American Foundation Issue Brief on July 2006 titled, “Why Unlicensed Use of Vacant TV Spectrum Will Not Cause Interference to DTV Viewers (pdf).
Related DailyWireless stories include; Broadcasters: Portable Devices Kill DTV, Mud Fight in White Space, Pushing for “White Space”, Consumers to FCC: 700MHz Democracy Now!, Broadband Wireless — Hello Goodbye, Microsoft’s “Free” Phone?, Bills Expand Unlicensed UHF Access, 700MHz Battle Begins, Cognitive Brains Self Organize and Unlicensed 700Mhz Access.
.gif)
