Microsoft offers WiFi prototype for TV white space

TV white space has gained a significant amount of attention at the Federal Communications Commission as of late. That unused broadcast spectrum is the target of some high-flying tech companies such as Google, Dell, HP and Microsoft. These firms want to see the FCC make that white space available on an unlicensed basis, creating a WiFi market on steroids.

Last week the coalition delivered to the FCC a WiFi device that the group says can operate in this unlicensed spectrum without interfering with high-definition TV. The prototype, built by Microsoft, will undergo months of testing. The FCC received more than 700 comments on whether it should allow personal and portable devices in this potentially unlicensed white space. Many comments came from licensed spectrum holders such as broadcasters, cable operators and mobile operators who opposed the idea because of interference concerns--or more like competitive concerns.

For more about the FCC's white space consideration:
- read this article from The Washington Post
- check out this blog from Jupiter Research