Motorola Submits White Space Device for FCC Testing

Motorola has delivered and demonstrated a prototype white space device (WSD)—or, as Motorola calls it, a Cognitive Radio Device—to test whether it can sense, and thus avoid, interfering with DTV signals.

Motorola officials gave the device to FCC Office of Engineering and Technology staff at a meeting Nov. 15 and dropped off a two-page sheet of instructions for operating and testing the device. Motorola previously demonstrated a prototype device to FCC staff Aug. 30.

In an FCC filing, the company said the device uses a "geolocation database that is augmented by sensing algorithms" to determine which TV channels are available for use.

EU: European telecoms framework review

Spectrum liberalisation and secondary trading: Spectrum policy was one of the most outdated and bureaucratic areas in need of most reform. In our view the proposals are positive and amount to giving something back to operators after the intrusive retail regulation this summer over international roaming. The digital dividend spectrum has great potential to improve the availability of broadband in rural areas, although the commission must be mindful of technical aspects, such as problems with interference.

Vanu announces 700 MHz prototype, dual-mode SDR deployment

Demonstrated before two potential clients—including a carrier—the Vanu/BitWave prototype supports cellular waveforms in the 700, 850, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands for both CDMA and GSM operation. The prototype uses BitWave’s Softransceiver chips, which can receive and transmit a wide range of RF signals, and Vanu’s Anywave software to allow a single Femtocell unit to be built that can provide coverage in numerous deployment scenarios.

Software Defined Radio Forum Launching Special Interest Group for International Tactical Radio Market

Software Defined Radio Forum Launching Special Interest Group for International Tactical Radio Market

AT&T Mobility acquires Aloha’s 700 MHz spectrum for $2.5B - RCR Wireless News

AT&T, which said it remains committed to using Qualcomm Inc.’s MediaFLO network for multimedia wireless broadcasts, said the deal gives it 12 megahertz of spectrum covering 196 million people in 281 markets. AT&T Mobility said the deal is expected to close in the next six to nine months.

Pressure on Radio Spectrum Sharing Will Lead to Greater Deployment of Dynamic Spectrum Access Technologies | Press Release | ABI Research

“Spectrum, especially in the UHF band, is attractive to mobile operators for mobile TV, voice and high-speed data services,” says ABI Research analyst Ian Cox. “It is also used by terrestrial TV broadcasters, the military, and security services, and they all want more of it. Regulators, over the years, have boxed themselves into a corner by allocating it exclusively for individual applications. This can now begin to change as software radio emerges and spectrum sharing becomes feasible.”

Frontline petitions for 700MHz changes

A wireless start-up has launched an appeal with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to try to alter the terms of the forthcoming 700MHz spectrum auction. Frontline Wireless wants the FCC to change the bidding rules to block incumbent operators from building up what it calls an ‘excessive concentration in spectrum holdings’. Frontline also wants smaller operators to be allowed to employ a wholesale business model on the 700MHz network, which will be used to offer both commercial and public safety services, and has called for the minimum bid level to be lowered. Verizon Wireless recently launched its own appeal against the FCC’s rules for the 700MHz auction; it wants open access provisions removed, barring the way for firms such as Google and Apple to use the frequencies to offer a wide range of applications and devices.