FCC approves use of unused TV spectrum or white spaces

The FCC unanimously approved the rules for using this unused TV spectrum by new broadband networks and devices.

The federal body approved the plan by a 5-0 vote with vehement opposition from television broadcasters, Broadway theater performers, and other groups who expressed apprehensions that the new devices would interfere with TV transmissions and wireless microphones.

These white spaces exist among TV bands in the 470 to 698 MHz frequencies. They have faster speeds and important broadcast features, and these signals can move through walls easily while covering a large area.

The next step
Some steps need to be taken before starting with these devices. First of all, a database has to be created so that the new devices do not interfere with TV broadcasters.

Also, the broadcasters and wireless microphone users will have to be assured that these devices will not interfere with their use of TV.

The FCC announced that it plans to reveal the outlines of a proposed database very soon. The commission also proposes to set aside two channels for the exclusive use of wireless microphone users and all others who apprehend interference from white spaces.

The rules governing the devices with access to the database are still to be framed. Commission officials are hopeful to establish the database by this year, with the new devices expected to hit the market by next year.

A new beginning
Some experts opine that the new technology will fuel the introduction of several innovations that will culminate in useful applications for the end users. This new technology is good for the business also.

White-space spectrum is an attractive choice for wireless broadband service providers due to its superior propagation characteristics, which allow it to travel up to extended distances and go through obstacles like walls, with a strong and reliable signal. The technology is already being termed as "super Wi-Fi."

No additional interference protection required
In a victory for white-space proponents, the order will not require devices to have additional interference protection in the form of spectrum-sensing technology. Such a requirement would have increased the cost and belated the introduction of this new technology.

The FCC requires two channels in each market to be set aside for the use of wireless microphones, which the commission officials said would be sufficient for nearly all microphone operators.

But in case of a rare eventuality of these channels being insufficient, such as in a chart buster theater production or sporting event, microphone operators can apply to the FCC for extra channel space in the white-space database to protect against interference.

The Final Order will be issued soon
The final order on white-space is expected to be issued soon, and it will lay out the mechanism for setting up a nationwide database that will contain information about the usage of broadcast spectrum in each market.

It will be necessary for white-space devices to come equipped with geo-location ability and verify with the database every 24 hours to make sure that they are using an unoccupied spectrum channel.