white space

Wireless microphone vendor Shure faces interference conundrum

Lynnette Luna — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:11:30 -0400

The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article that paints the conundrum Shure, the largest manufacturer of wireless microphones in the U.S., now finds itself in as a result of its very public opposition of license-free, white-space spectrum. Shure fears the potential interference devices operating in white-space spectrum could pose to wireless microphones. Interestingly enough, Shure's wireless microphones could be posing an interference threat to public-safety and commercial wireless operators when they move into the 700 MHz band--a fact Shure itself may have unwittingly exposed to the FCC in complaining about unlicensed devices. A number of wireless microphones today operate illegally on vacant channels without licenses while the FCC turns a blind eye. The FCC is going to change that, however, as public-safety partnering with commercial operators is moving into the band after TV broadcasters turn off their analog signals in February.

Shure says it began in 2001 focusing on new products that don't operate on the 700 MHz band, but many of Shure's legacy products still do operate in the spectrum. Public interest group Media Access Project filed a complaint with the FCC over wireless microphones operating illegally in the band. It estimates anywhere between 500,000 and 1 million illegal wireless microphone systems operate in the 700 MHz band.

For more:
- check out this Wall Street Journal article

Related stories:
White space debate won't be resolved with field testing
FCC expected to release white-space findings next month

Companies step up push to license white-space spectrum

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:17:04 -0400

As companies such as Motorola, Google and Intel lobby the FCC for access to the unlicensed white-space spectrum a number of companies and organizations are making the argument that the spectrum should be licensed. Along with the National Association of Broadcasters, which fears interference from unlicensed white-space devices, Aloha Partners, Qualcomm, CTIA and the Rural Cellular Association are making a last-minute push for licensing the spectrum. House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) has also called on the FCC to license the spectrum.

The Brattle Group also recently released a new study, which was underwritten by Qualcomm, estimating that the U.S. Treasury could make as much as $24 billion from an auction of white-space spectrum. That figure is some $5 billion more than what was made at the 700 MHz auction.

"There is no evidence for the claim the TV white space would spur innovation in unlicensed applications," stated the Brattle Group in an FCC filing. "Although unlicensed spectrum can provide a good home for low-power, short-range systems and thus facilitate innovation in such systems, the TV white space is ‘overqualified' for such applications. Devoting TV spectrum to low-power, short-range systems is like using land in downtown Tokyo to grow rice."

The FCC is wrapping up tests of prototype devices that access unused television airwaves, called "white spaces," to see if they will interfere with television broadcasts.

For more:
- check out RCR News

Related stories:
Pressure mounting in white space debate
Google steps up white-space lobbying efforts with new web site

Google steps up white-space lobbying efforts with new web site

Lynnette Luna — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:02:14 -0400

Google is stepping up its lobbying efforts in the white-space controversy. The search giant has launched a web site called, www.freetheairwaves.com, on which visitors can sign a petition urging the FCC to open up unused TV airwaves for super WiFi-like services that Google calls WiFi 2.0. The site clearly looks to get the common person involved in the debate, featuring You Tube videos that explain what white space is and urging the public to get involved.

"Remember that fuzzy static between channels on the old TVs? Today more than three-quarters of those radio airwaves, or "white space" spectrum, are completely unused. This vast public resource could offer a revolution in wireless services of all kinds, including universal wireless Internet," the web site states. "The FCC will soon decide whether to open this unused spectrum for general usage, and your voice matters--a lot. So if you agree that freeing the white spaces represents a vote for the future of the Internet, please sign our petition and help spread the word about this campaign."

Videos include testimony from Matthew Rantanen, director of technology for the Tribal Digital Village, which offers high-speed WiFi access to Native American communities in San Diego County, Calif., and three tribes in nearby Riverside. The big ISPs, Rantanen says, provide no service to these areas, "so we took it upon ourselves to take advantage of that and go get it ourselves." But while WiFi is a start, Rantanen explains, it only goes so far in these rural regions: "We need bigger pipe," he says. "White space opens that up. It drops the cost of end-user equipment. It increases the ability of us to broadcast, to not have intermediate repeating towers, to support going through a grove of trees." Users also can download their own YouTube video opinions on the issue.

The FCC is expected to report its findings on field tests it conducted this month of prototype white-space devices. Soon after, the commission is expected to take up the contentious issue of whether the spectrum can be used for unlicensed devices or whether they pose too much of an interference threat to television broadcasters and wireless microphone users.

Companies such as Google and Microsoft want to use this spectrum to develop new mobile communications devices. However, the initiative has raised the ire of the National Association of Broadcasters, which argues white-space devices may interfere with existing television broadcasts.

For more:
- check out Free The Airwaves
- read ARS Technica

Related stories:
FCC expected to release white-space findings next month. White space story
White space debate won't be resolved with field testing. White space editorial
Motorola exec: FCC white space testing going well. Motorola white space story

FCC expected to release white-space findings next month

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:10:14 -0400

The FCC is expected to report its findings on field tests it conducted this month of prototype white-space devices. Soon after, the commission itself is expected to take up the contentious issue of whether the spectrum can be used for unlicensed devices or whether they pose too much of an interference threat to television broadcasters and wireless microphone users.

Companies such as Google and Microsoft want to use this spectrum to develop new mobile communications devices. However, the initiative has raised the ire of the National Association of Broadcasters, which argues that white-space devices may interfere with existing television broadcasts.

While the FCC wrapped up its field tests of the prototypes last week, there is still no clear indication of how well they performed. Motorola said its prototypes incorporating geolocation technology performed well. According to The Wall Street Journal, a prototype designed by Philips Electronics North America was too sensitive. The device indicated that every TV channel at FedEx Field was in use, which wasn't the case. The protoypes are supposed to detect signals that are in use to avoid interference. Representatives from the NFL, ESPN and wireless-microphone manufacturer Shure, watched the FCC engineers with shaking heads.

Meanwhile, lobbyists are getting Capitol Hill involved in the white space debate. Last week, eight members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin asking the FCC to adopt rules governing white space spectrum within the next 90 days so that the spectrum can be used to establish low-cost broadband connectivity in rural areas and across the country.

And just last week Representatives Anna Eshoo and Edward Markey wrote a similar letter to Martin, warning him that wireless carriers are "seeking unnecessary and unprecedented testing delays to prevent new innovative competitors from entering the market."

For more:
- see The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)
- read this NY Times article

Related stories:
White space debate won't be resolved with field testing. White space editorial
Motorola exec: FCC white space testing going well. Motorola white space story

FCC to commence field testing of white-space devices

Lynnette Luna — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:22:00 -0400

The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology announced it will begin field testing of prototype white-white space devices on Monday. The testing is part of its rule making process to determine whether these devices are capable of co-existing on an unlicensed basis with television broadcasts. Up until now, the FCC has conducted laboratory tests using prototypes.

The issue of using unlicensed white-space spectrum has been a significant area of contention, as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) staunchly oppose the use based on interference concerns. Heavy wireless microphone users such as the NFL and entertainers are also concerned over the idea.

"NAB has no quarrel with field tests, but based upon multiple failures of unlicensed devices in laboratory testing thus far, we remain highly skeptical that this technology will ever work as advertised," NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton said in a statement regarding the FCC's next moves to field test the devices.

NAB continues to point out that the devices failed to work properly during lab testing, while white-space advocates--including Google and Microsoft--claim the malfunctions were power malfunctions and had nothing to do with whether they interfered with television signals. In fact, they say, the devices showed no interference problems, they say.

NAB and CTIA are aligned on the notion that white-space spectrum should be licensed to prevent interference.

For more:
- read the FCC's public notice

Related stories:
The drama continues over white-space spectrum. White space story
Professional sports leagues concerned about white space spectrum. White space interference story

ESPN, NFL invite FCC to test white-space devices during football season

Lynnette Luna — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:59:34 -0400

ESPN and the National Football League have invited the FCC to field test white-space devices under "real world" conditions during the 2008-2009 football season. The NFL and a number of sports teams have voiced their concern about potential interference white-space devices may pose to wireless microphones used to broadcast their events.

The FCC to date has been testing white-space devices in a lab but has said it will undergo another round of testing in the field within the next few weeks.

"We are offering our assistance, expertise, access to facilities and equipment and other resources so that the Commission, including the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), can conduct field testing of the potential impact of [white space devices] on wireless microphone operations during a live sporting event," ESPN and the NFL stated in a filing with the FCC. They further offered to hold testing at the Baltimore Raven's M&T Bank Stadium and the Washington Redskin's FedExField in Landover, Md., which are close to the FCC's headquarters.

ESPN and the NFL indicated they "strongly support" the FCC's repeated commitments to ensure that all users are protected from interference by white space devices. "As such the conditions at these events provide an excellent opportunity to stage a meaningful, real-world test under actual operating conditions as they exist in a sports stadium to ensure that there is no resulting ‘harmful interference' to wireless microphones."

For more:
- read this release

Related stories:
Professional sports leagues concerned about white space spectrum. White-space story
Microsoft: FCC's tests validate white space. Microsoft story

Microsoft: FCC's tests validate white space

Lynnette Luna — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:41:42 -0400

Despite the fact that its prototypes malfunctioned during lab tests at the FCC, Microsoft says the FCC has gathered enough valid data to show that devices can operate in the white space spectrum without causing interference.

"The commission has gotten more than enough valuable and valid data to show that you can use these devices to do spectrum sensing, that you can identify TV channels, and that you can identity them to the level that you're not causing interference," Microsoft's Ian Ferrell said during a technology conference in San Francisco called Supernova. Last week, the FCC completed lab tests of white-space devices submitted by several different companies.

Microsoft's own white-space prototypes malfunctioned--one due to a faulty channel scanner the other due to overheating. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), which is vehemently opposed to the use of white space because it fears interference problems with TV signals, has used that as ammunition to say that these devices cause interference. Ferrell insists FCC tests have shown interference isn't a problem.

For its part, the FCC says it will undergo another round of testing in the field within the next few weeks. Microsoft has withdrawn its faulty prototypes, but FCC engineers are still studying devices from Philips, Motorola, and Adaptrum, a Silicon Valley white-space startup.

For more:
- read The Register

Related stories:
Google's Page pushes white-space agenda Google story
Google, Philips, Moto submit white space device White space story

NAB takes white-space concerns to Congress

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:59:55 -0400

The National Association of Broadcasters fired another salvo against the idea of broadband services operating in the unlicensed white space spectrum, vacant airwaves next to TV spectrum. NAB warned Congress that allowing services in this spectrum could jeopardize the transition to digital TV, which is scheduled for completion by Feb. 19, 2009.

"For more than a year, these companies have tried to convince the Federal Communications Commission and members of Congress that they can make devices that will not cause interference to broadcasters, wireless microphone users and other parties that currently use this spectrum," said NAB President David Rehr in a letter to Congress. "Unfortunately, based upon the results of FCC testing to date, their technical prowess does not match their rhetoric."

Indeed, the FCC's testing of white space devices hasn't been without glitches. The FCC is still in the testing phase of these devices, however, and is keen on seeing the spectrum serve as a catalyst for broadband competition in the U.S.

NAB and a long list of other organizations, such as hospitals, entertainers and professional sports leagues, remain concerned about the use of white space spectrum. Google, Microsoft, Motorola and others are pushing the FCC to allow WiFi-like services in the spectrum.

For more on this story:
- read RCR Wireless News

Related stories:
Google's Page dismisses white space concerns. Google white space story
Google, Philips, Moto submit white space devices. White space device story

Voyant inks $2M white-space device deal

Thu, 29 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

The FCC isn't finished testing white space prototypes for possible interference but that isn't stopping a technology holding company from entering the market and inking a $2-million contract for the development and production of the first 3,000 white space radios. Voyant International announced that its contract with the unknown entity will see the company designing and delivering the devices over multiple years. The unnamed customer will use them for a variety of applications, including "green, energy-efficient, utility and power management."

White space spectrum represents more than 200 megahertz of vacant bandwidth in the adjacent TV airwaves and is the subject of vigorous debate as Google, Microsoft and others are pushing the FCC hard to allow broadband services in the spectrum. The broadcast industry opposes the move, saying it will threaten the transition to digital TV and cause interference. The CTIA meanwhile recommends auctioning off the unused broadcast spectrum, and a host of other industries are concerned about interference, including hospitals, entertainers and professional sports organizers. They fear interference with wireless microphones. During a recent speech in Washington, D.C., Google co-founder Larry Page discounted the broadcasters' view that using white space spectrum would cause interference, saying that there isn't any technical validity to that claim. The FCC has been testing several white space device prototypes and is expected to continue to trial devices.

Voyant is a digital media and technology holding company that will be entering the wireless space for the first time with this $2-million contract. The company says its strategy is to combine existing and new technologies with the company's substantial portfolio of intellectual property and domain knowledge in order to address emerging applications in the wireless sector. Don't be surprised to see others gravitating to the white space market now that Google has done a fine job publicizing it.

To find out more about Voyant's white space strategy:
- read this TMCnet article

Related stories:
- Sprint, T-Mobile advocate white space for backhaul. See this white space story
- CTIA, carriers join NAB against white space devices. Read this white space story
- FCC begins second round of white space testing. See this white space story

Google's Page dismisses white space concerns

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:59:54 -0400

Speaking at a New America Foundation event last week in Washington, D.C., Google co-founder Larry Page tried to bolster his firm's case for the FCC to make white spaces--vacant channels of spectrum next to the television broadcaster bands--available for unlicensed wireless broadband access. Page is hoping to sway the FCC, which is expected to issue a report on its white-space device testing some time this summer. The FCC has been testing several white-space device prototypes and is expected to continue to trial devices.

White spaces are slivers of spectrum in the 700 MHz that were originally designed to prevent interference between TV broadcasts. However as broadcasters transition to digital broadcasting, some industry players (such as Google) believe there is an opportunity to use these white spaces to deliver unlicensed wireless broadband services. The broadcast industry opposes the move, saying it will threaten the transition to digital TV and cause interference. The CTIA meanwhile recommends auctioning off the unused broadcast spectrum, and a host of other industries are concerned about interference, including hospitals, entertainers and professional sports organizers. They fear interference with wireless microphones. During his speech, Page discounted the broadcasters' view that using white space spectrum would cause interference, saying that there isn't any technical validity to that claim.

For more:
- see this BusinessWeek article

Motorola submits new white space device to FCC

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Amid the brouhaha over potential interference with wireless microphones and digital television signals in the white-space band, Motorola has presented the Federal Communications Commission with an updated version of a wireless device designed to work in the spectrum. Commission, which favors unlicensed white-space spectrum--that unused portion next to television signals, has already looked at devices from companies such as Microsoft and Philips Electronics. Early devices reportedly have not performed well in tests.

Motorola's device primarily looks at a database of existing spectrum licensees to avoid interfering with signals. According to a Dow Jones report, the vendor has now updated the device to include sensors for adjacent channels that uses "techniques commonly utilized in cellular phones and two-way radios," according to a draft of the FCC presentation.

The sensors are designed to detect "nomadic" wireless microphones to avoid interfering with circumstances such as "roving, unplanned news-gathering operations," the draft document says.

To read more about Motorola's white-space device:
- check out this Dow Jones article

Is Google satisfied with its new wireless broadband venture?

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Google finally got what it wanted--access to a broadband network to realize its dream of transferring it dominance in online advertising into the wireless broadband world. By making a sizable investment in the new Clearwire--a deal that also includes Sprint, three cable operators and Intel--Google becomes the default search engine for the new WiMAX operator and guarantees a home for the Android platform all without having to sink billions in building out its own network.

Cracking the wireless broadband market has actually taken a few years for Google. Google had big hopes in 2005 and 2006 that muni-WiFi was going to be the wireless broadband opportunity it was looking for. Pundits had speculated Google was poised to blanket the U.S. with free WiFi in order to become one of the globe's largest Internet providers and one of the powerful ad sellers. That strategy didn't pan out as the muni-WiFi market hit a shakeout.

Then the 700 MHz auction came along, and Google lobbied heavily for open access and plunked down the minimum required to trigger the open access provision. Though the search giant got what it wanted, that still didn't guarantee Google would become a dominant force.

Lately the company has been pushing heavily for unlicensed white-space spectrum, and while it appears the FCC likes the idea, there is significant opposition due to fears of interference, which could significantly draw out the process.

The question now is, is Google happy with what it got or will it continue to find more ways to transfer its services in the wireless world?--Lynnette

Professional sports leagues concerned about white space spectrum

Mon, 05 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

As expected, more groups are coming forward to voice their concern over unlicensed white space spectrum. The National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the PGA Tour, and ESPN have asked the FCC to ensure that it protects wireless microphones from interference from unlicensed devices operating in white-space spectrum.

In their joint filing, the leagues and ESPN--as members of the Sports Technology Alliance--assert that the FCC must require the technology companies that want to sell wireless white spaces devices to prove that their devices won't interfere with wireless microphones, which already operate in white spaces.

Last week hospital technology groups and vendors in the sector urged the FCC to be careful on how it approaches the white-space spectrum issue because opening up some of those channels could lead to interference with medical devices. And the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) fiercely opposes unlicensed devices in white-space spectrum because of interference concerns with digital TV signals. CTIA wants white spaces auctioned.

For more about Sports Technology Alliance's concern over white spaces:
- check out this release

White-space broadband gets more and more complicated

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Google, Microsoft and other companies advocating the use of unlicensed white-space spectrum for wireless broadband had to have believed earlier this year that the FCC was going to rubber-stamp the process with relative ease. After all, the commission itself wants to see white-space spectrum.

But now opposition is mounting and the FCC still hasn't gotten over that pesky interference problem. In 2007, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology found through preliminary trials of the prototypes that "the transmitter in the prototype device is capable of causing interference to TV broadcasting and wireless microphones." Testing continues and hasn't put these devices in the clear.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is waging a bitter fight against white-white space spectrum, fearing interference with the industry's television signals. CTIA now wants white-space spectrum licensed. And more recently, (see story no. 2) hospital technology groups and vendors in the sector are urging the FCC to be careful about allowing unlicensed white-space devices because some of the channels could cause interference with medical devices.

And it won't be long until other groups come forward concerned about the interference problem with wireless microphones. Interestingly, country western artists that include Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and Martina McBride have mentioned their concern about how interference with their wireless microphones would affect their live concerts, noted Shure Inc., which provides wireless microphone systems. We will likely see some powerful opposition from other members of the music and entertainment industry and those that have a heavily reliance on wireless microphones.

All of this means the FCC has to take a long and thoughtful approach to how it might allow unlicensed white-spectrum devices. Much to the chagrin of Google, we won't likely see any approval this year or even early next year. While the commission was hoping white spaces would provide another avenue to offer more broadband competition, the issues surrounding the spectrum seems to get more complicated by the day. Any move without significant and thorough testing could prove to be disastrous.--Lynnette

P.S. Every year FierceWireless editors evaluate hundreds of the most innovative and smart emerging companies in the wireless industry. Check out our final selection--the top 15--in FierceWireless' annual Fierce 15 list. See it here!

Hospitals worry about white space interference

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Hospital technology groups and vendors in the sector are urging the FCC to be careful on how it approaches the white-space spectrum issue because opening up some of those channels could lead to interference with medical devices. The FCC has allocated channel 37 to hospital groups about a decade ago, but older systems still use some white-space spectrum.

"If a new white space application that's operating thousands of times more powerfully came online, either in the hospital or outside the hospital, it could very well directly interfere with the telemetry system and prevent patient monitoring," Tim Kottak, engineering general manager for GE Healthcare's systems and wireless division, told CNET in a recent interview. While GE also owns NBC, a key player in the National Association of Broadcasters, Kottak said he speaks only for the Healthcare unit of GE.

Unlike NAB, however, the hospital tech groups are looking for a compromise: The FCC should keep a few channels off-limits and just require device operators to tell hospitals when white space devices become operational nearby.-Brian Dolan

For more on the white space debate:
- read this article from CNET

CTIA weighs in on white-space spectrum debate

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:59:57 -0400

CTIA has now weighed in on the fight over the use of unlicensed white space spectrum, that spectrum that sits between airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters. CTIA joins Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile against the notion that the spectrum should be unlicensed. The two operators made a filing with the FCC in January urging the commission to open up the spectrum on a licensed basis, saying white spaces could be used for much-needed backhaul services.

Unlicensed white space spectrum represents a threat to operators that are developing expensive licensed networks to attack the broadband market, for example, the 700 MHz spectrum.

"The way we look at it is there is a model that works, and continues to work," said Paul Garnett, CTIA's assistant vice president for regulatory affairs. "There is some potential there to use [white spaces] in a licensed way to allow incumbents or new entrants to provide new broadband access."

Google, Microsoft, Dell, Philips and others, which are part of the White Space Coalition, have been pushing the notion that the spectrum should be released on an unlicensed basis for broadband services. The FCC, which has outwardly supported the idea of releasing the spectrum on an unlicensed basis, is currently testing devices to make sure they don't interfere with TV signals. If the FCC approves the devices this year, commercial white spaces wireless devices could be available as soon as late 2009.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), is fiercely opposed to any signals in the white space spectrum, saying the spectrum should lay fallow to avoid interference with television signals.

To read more about the white space debate:
- take a look at this white space report from The Hill

Related articles:
The drama continues over white-space spectrum Report on white spectrum
Sprint, T-Mobile advocate white space for backhaul Sprint, T-Mobile report
Google asks FCC to ignore Sprint, T-Mobile Google white space report
FCC begins second round of white-space testing FCC white space report

Google steps up white-space efforts

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Now that the 700 MHz spectrum auction is over, Google has turned its attention once again to the "white space" unlicensed spectrum debate: In a letter to the FCC, Google pressed the government to make the spectrum available for Internet services.

"As Google has pointed out previously, the vast majority of viable spectrum in this country simply goes unused, or else is grossly underutilized," Richard Whitt, Google's Washington telecom and media lawyer, wrote in the letter.

The white spaces reside between channels 2 and 51 on TVs that are not hooked up to cable, satellite or IPTV services. Whitt claimed that opening up the spectrum would "enable much-needed competition to the incumbent broadband service providers."

Whitt said Android-powered phones would be a "very nice match" for the unused spectrum but failed to elaborate.

For more on Google's white spaces plans:
- read this article in the WSJ (sub. req.)

Related articles:
Google, Philips, Moto submit white space devices Report
White space fight gets ugly Report
Google considering 700 MHz options Editorial

The drama continues over white-space spectrum

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:59:55 -0500

The drama over white-space spectrum--those airwaves that sit between broadcasters' HDTV spectrum--continues as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) claims the Federal Communications Commission's testing of a Microsoft prototype failed. It's a claim that the White Space Coalition says is untrue.

NAB, which has been a fierce opponent of the use of white spaces because of interference fears, declared earlier this month that a prototype submitted by Microsoft lost power during FCC testing. The power failure comes after another white spaces device malfunctioned in tests run by the FCC last year.

The White Space Coalition, which includes Microsoft, Philips, Dell and Google, says the NAB is mischaracterizing the issue. Ed Thomas, a tech adviser to the coalition and former chief of the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology, said the power supply of the device failed after several hours of continuous testing, and it did not interfere with televisions signals because of the power failure.

Thomas said the NAB was engaged in "rhetoric" designed to complicate the FCC's device testing. "Let this be based on science, not politics," Thomas said of the FCC's tests. "Let the facts prevail."

NAB Executive VP Dennis Wharton disagreed, saying, "The devices they've tested haven't performed the way they were expected to perform. That, in our view, constitutes a failure."

If the FCC approves the devices this year, commercial white spaces wireless devices could be available as soon as late 2009. Testing is still going on at the FCC for several more weeks.

To read more about the the white space drama:
- check out this article from IDG News Service

Related articles:
FCC begins second round of white-space testing Report
Google, Philips, Moto submit white space devices Report

Google asks FCC to ignore Sprint, T-Mobile

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:59:56 -0500

Google has asked the Federal Communications Commission to disregard requests from Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile to make white-space spectrum licensed spectrum for mobile backhaul services. Earlier this month the two operators filed comments with the FCC, saying white space spectrum--those airwaves that sit between the airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters--would interfere with licensed broadcasts and would be best suited for backhaul.

Google has filed a letter with the FCC, arguing that the operators' late comments in the white-space spectrum debate should be "set aside." Google called their suggestion to use the spectrum for backhaul "not the most efficient, or even marginal, use of the white spaces."

It appears, however, the FCC is quite keen on white-space spectrum ushering in more broadband competition. During its open meeting last week, the FCC announced its schedule for testing four new devices designed to operate in white-space spectrum. The FCC is reviewing four devices from Microsoft, Philips, Motorola and Adaptrum as part of Phase II of white space testing. The FCC laboratory will commence testing the devices next week and expects the tests to continue for about four to six weeks. Field testing will follow the lab tests and take an additional four to six weeks.

For more about Google's opposition to Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile:
- read this report from Dow Jones

Related articles:
Google steps up white-space efforts Article
White-space fight gets ugly Article

FCC begins second round of white-space testing

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:59:55 -0500

During its open meeting last week, the FCC announced its schedule for testing four new devices designed to operate in white-space spectrum--those airwaves that sit between broadcasters' high-definition TV airwaves. The FCC is reviewing four devices from Microsoft, Philips, Motorola and Adaptrum as part of Phase II of white space testing. The FCC laboratory will commence testing the devices next week and expects the tests to continue for about four to six weeks. Field testing will follow the lab tests and take an additional four to six weeks.

Last year,a group of high-tech companies that include Google, Intel, Dell, HP and Microsoft, which collectively formed the White Space Coalition, delivered to the FCC two WiFi devices that the group claimed operated in this spectrum without interfering with high-definition TV. However, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology found in preliminary trials of the prototypes that "the transmitter in the prototype device is capable of causing interference to TV broadcasting and wireless microphones." However, the FCC is committed to making sure white-space spectrum is used to usher in more broadband competition.

For more of coverage of last week's FCC meeting:
- read the full article here
- also check out the FCC press release on Phase II

Related articles:
Sprint, T-Mobile advocate white space for backhaul Report
FCC to revisit white spaces Report
Interest in white spaces heats up Report
White space concepts go back to drawing board Report