Sprint and T-Mobile have told the Federal Communications Commission that they support the idea of opening up white space spectrum--that unlicensed spectrum that sits between airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters.
While Google, Microsoft and others have been lobbying th FCC [1] to open up white space spectrum for unlicensed super WiFi devices, Sprint and T-Mobile are advocating that white space spectrum be granted on a fixed-license basis for wireless backhaul services.
"Because backhaul comprises a significant cost for wireless carriers, and incumbent local exchange carriers' special-access charges are exorbitant, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile must find more affordable alternatives to the ILECS's special-access offerings," the operators told the FCC.
To read more about Sprint's and T-Mobile's interest in white space:
- take a look at this report [2] from RCR Wireless News
Related articles:
FCC to continue white-space testing Report [3]
Google goes it alone on white-space spectrum Report [4]
White-space concept goes back to the drawing board Report [5]
TV white space a key to Internet access Release [6]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/google-steps-white-space-efforts/2007-12-10
[2] http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/FREE/745788712/1005/mobileTV
[3] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/fcc-continue-white-space-testing/2007-10-11
[4] http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/google-goes-it-alone-white-space-spectrum/2007-12-07
[5] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/white-space-concept-goes-back-drawing-board/2007-08-13
[6] http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/tv-white-space-holds-key-broadband-wireless-internet-access-millions-people-still-liv