Google, others suffer setback as FCC nixes ‘white space’ devices :: RCR Wireless News

“Coalition members are encouraged that FCC engineers did not find fault with our operating parameters and remain confident that unlicensed television spectrum can be used without interference,” the group stated. “In fact, in its report the FCC stated that ‘the bench test results indicate that under laboratory conditions this device is generally able to reliably detect DTV signals.’ We will work with the Federal Communications Commission to resolve any open questions quickly enabling the FCC to meet its October deadline and delivering on the common goal of driving innovation and expanding Internet access for all Americans.”

700 MHz Explained

The FCC has described the 700 MHz as beachfront property, and has talked up the broadband capabilities of this spectrum swath. About 60 MHz of the former UHF (TV) spectrum is going to be reclaimed by the U.S. government and will be reallocated for public safety and commercial broadband networks. The TV channels using this spectrum are going to go dark on Feb. 19, 2009, if all continues as planned.

Remote-Sensing Devices Fail FCC White Spaces Test

In one test, where a DTV signal could be received by a TV at the test site, "the scanner reported its channel to be free or available 40% to 75% of the time with an average of 58.2% of the time."

An earlier FCC test of TV sets had found interference to all eight models tested.

Divided FCC sets b'band rules

While the auction is known as the 700 MHz for the band in which the frequencies lie, a total of 62 MHz will be sold under the new plan; 22 MHz will be subjected to Martin's "open access" rules, and another 10 will be dedicated to the national public safety network, which will be shared between a commercial operator and public safety agencies.