FCC Chairman Kevin Martin wants to allow the use of portable devices on white spaces
Google, Microsoft, and many other tech companies have pleaded for the FCC to allow the use of white spaces–the empty space that lies between TV channels–to no avail. Until now, that is.
Finally, the FCC has made up its mind, and has detailed specific requirements–standards, if you will–that wireless devices will have to meet in order to use the empty airwaves called white spaces for broadband service.
Kevin Martin was quoted as saying:
“I’m hoping to take advantage of utilizing these airwaves for broadband services to allow for unlicensed technologies and new innovations in that space.
This spectrum is very conducive to broadband service….the white spaces can be used as long as it does not interfere with broadcasters.”
So what exactly are the requirements? Well, first of all, “sensing technologies as well as a geo-location database” are a must. These are necessary for the devices to know if nearby broadcasts are in danger of being interfered. Another requirement is that the devices should be “restricted to lower power levels on airwaves adjacent to broadcasters.”
Broadcasters and wireless microphone makers are opposed to the idea of letting mobile devices access the so-called white spaces, fearing that these would “disrupt their broadcasts and the signals used in sports events and concerts,” but since any future devices capable of accessing the white spaces will need to be approved by the FCC in the first place anyway, things should run smoothly once everything is set up.
Via Washington Post
Enjoyed the story? Get the news and updates as we publish them. For instant updates as we press the "Publish" button, click here to follow us on Twitter . To subscribe to RSS News Feed click here , for daily e-mail updates click here .If you liked the post, you might find these interesting too:
- FCC approves wireless device usage on white spaces
- FCC’s own says ‘aye’ to white spaces
- FCC to offer free broadband Internet as part of latest wireless auction
- Virgin Media launches mobile broadband service in UK for less than $30 a month
- Orange UK unveils new netbooks: HP Compaq Mini 700 and Toshiba L300
« SanDisk’s $15 slotMusic cards now shipping. Leona Lewis, Rhianna, Coldplay and many more coming your wayAT&T pushing to make third-party devices work on its wireless network »