FCC tests "white space" prototypes, again
The Federal Communications Commission will begin the second phase of lab testing of prototype devices that use the "white space" between TV channels to transmit wireless communication signals.
Phase II of the testing, which is being conducted by the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology, begins on January 24.
The testing is part of a proceeding that will determine if the "white space" or unused spectrum between broadcast TV channels can be used for wireless service without interfering with TV broadcasts.
Technology companies say that using the spectrum between the TV channels could unleash a wave of innovation. But TV broadcasters and Sprint Nextel, the third-largest cell phone carrier in the U.S., oppose the use of "white spaces" for wireless services.
The first phase of testing, which ended in July, stirred some controversy. According to the FCC's report, a Microsoft prototype device failed to detect broadcast signals, but one submitted by Koninklijke Philips Electronics worked just fine. Microsoft has refuted the results because it claims the device used in the test was damaged, therefore invalidating the results.
Now with Phase II, Microsoft will get a chance to redeem itself. The company has already submitted another prototype device, according to the FCC. Three other companies, Adaptrum, Motorola and Philips, have also submitted devices. Google, which is bidding in the 700MHz spectrum auction later this month, wasn't named by the FCC as submitting a device for testing. But the company did submit its own white space testing results to the FCC in December.
Marguerite Reardon has been a CNET News reporter since 2004, covering cell phone services, broadband, citywide Wi-Fi, the Net neutrality debate, as well as the ongoing consolidation of the phone companies. E-mail Maggie. 
Then, it must be something that will save us money or give us more choice! ;-)
On the upside... if we fill up the space between channels... we can prevent the invading aliens from using that area to coordinate their attack.
Just to make it clear, I am not a loon... that's a pop culture reference. :-)
- What Broadcast TV?
- by johnericanderson January 18, 2008 6:12 AM PST
- The phone companies got congress to outlaw broadcast TV. Starting Feb 2009 either they go digital or cease operations. The argument was that Emergency Services (Fire, Police) need the spectrum to communicate with the vehicles. They had a picture of a Fireman holding a dead child on the ads.
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- Get your facts straight
- by Talinus January 21, 2008 1:04 PM PST
- From http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html:
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(4 Comments)OK, so now they got it. Guess who's getting it.
Emergency services? Nope.
The Cell Phone Companies! Aren't we suprised?
Guess what they're going to do with the spectrum?
Broadcast TV to their phones!
Who whould have ever thought that the 700 Spectrum could be used for broadcasting TV?
I want my Broadcast TV back. I like rabbit ears.
"On February 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format."
"...broadcast only in digital format."
When you speak, make sure you don't sound ignorant. Check your facts.