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Spectrum liberalisation and secondary trading: Spectrum policy was one of the most outdated and bureaucratic areas in need of most reform.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.