white space

What will a new FCC look like?

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:23:49 -0500

Chalk one up for FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. He managed to cross some high-profile initiatives off his to-do list before his tenure as chairman is likely up once President-elect Barack Obama takes office.

Back in August, it was looking doubtful that the commission was going to rule on a number of key issues that impact the future of broadband wireless. Yet earlier this month Martin and company approved the use of white-space devices for super-WiFi services amid a flurry of lobbying both for and against the initiative. It okayed the New Clearwire deal, which involves Sprint pooling its WiMAX assets with Clearwire with the help of millions from Intel, Google and cable operators to roll out a nationwide mobile broadband network. And it approved Verizon Wireless' $28.1-billion proposed buyout of Alltel to create the nation's largest operator.

The other major wireless initiatives left on the table are the auction of spectrum in the AWS-3 band and a re-auction of the 700 MHz D-block. The AWS-3 auction would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service, install a network-based Internet filtering system to block pornography and allow open access to third-party devices and applications. Again, the commission is facing some stiff opposition to the plan from operators such as T-Mobile that worry about interference with the AWS-1 band, but the FCC's own engineering studies show that AWS-3 and AWS-1 networks can safely co-exist.

Will Martin be able to stay to see them through? Martin has hinted to the fact that he may stay on at least through the digital TV transition in February. Whether he stays permanently or retains his chairmanship is of course questionable now that Democrat President-elect Barack Obama is taking office. However, it didn't seem like Martin did all that much to anger Democrats. In fact, Democrats generally support his AWS-3 auction plan and the idea of wireless broadband bridging that pesky Digital Divide. He also recently sided with Democratic FCC commissioners to eke out a 3-2 vote to punish cable TV giant Comcast for blocking file-sharing traffic.

Yet, President-elect Obama's campaign was based on change, and change is what the FCC will likely get. Right now a host of names are floating around as potential successors and commissioners. And if the FCC sees a major shake-up you can guarantee an industry shake-up, and incumbent operators will be fighting about more than just whether proposed wireless broadband initiatives interfere with their operations. Everything from revisiting the spectrum cap to stricter merger scrutiny to forced open access among all operators could be on the table, according to industry pundits. And you thought white spaces and a free broadband plans were radical. --Lynnette

Clearwire shareholders to vote on merger Nov. 20

Sue Marek — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:03:19 -0500

During Clearwire's third quarter earnings call with analysts this morning, CEO Ben Wolff said that shareholders will vote Nov. 20 on the whether or not to approve the firm's merger with Sprint's WiMAX business. Wolff says that the merger is still on track for a year-end close pending the shareholder vote and some other administrative items.

Wolff reiterated that once the merger closes the expected infusion of $3.2 billion in capital from Google, Intel, Comcast and others will give Clearwire the resources to launch new markets and covert its existing pre-WiMAX markets to mobile WiMAX. The company had third quarter service revenue of $60.8 million up from $41.3 million in third quarter 2007. The company also had a net loss of $166.6 million compared to a net loss of $328.6 million in the same quarter the previous year. Here's a rundown of the other key metrics:

Subscribers: At the end of third quarter Clearwire had 469,000 subscribers, up from 348,000 in third quarter 2007. However, the company only added 8,300 net new customers during the quarter. Wolff said the firm's growth flattened as the company prepares to move from pre-WiMAX to mobile WiMAX.

ARPU: Average revenue per user was $40.43, up from $37.41 in the prior year. Wolff said the ARPU increase was due to adjustments in pricing and premium plans.

Churn: Churn was 3 percent in third quarter up from 2.3 percent in the previous year and compared to 2.6 percent in second quarter 2008. Clearwire said the increase in churn was due to a reduction of sales and marketing and it expects this trend to continue because of the macroeconomic climate.

White space spectrum: Wolff said that the company may explore opportunities with white space spectrum, particularly in rural areas.

For more:
- see this press release

Related articles:
Clearwire posts Q2 loss, says Clearwire/Sprint merger on target
FCC approves Sprint-Clearwire WiMAX combo

Sound Off - Industry players debate white space decision

Mike Dolan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:30:17 -0500

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the FCC approved the use of TV white space spectrum for unlicensed wireless devices. Here are some of the reactions to the Federal Communications Commission decision:

"The Alliance and our members commend the OET and the FCC for their leadership and expertise all along the way, even in the face of the ever-constant rhetoric and misinformation. They deserve a tremendous amount of respect and credit for remaining focused on the science and the data amid a difficult political atmosphere. OET's report will now enable the Commission to set standards and specifications for the development and use of white space technology. But most importantly, it has paved the way for the next generation of wireless technologies, broadband deployment, and information sharing that will benefit every American in the coming years."--Jake Ward, Wireless Innovation Alliance spokesman

"While we appreciate the FCC's attempt to address significant issues raised by broadcasters and others, every American who values interference-free TV should be concerned by today's Commission vote. By moving the 'white space' vote forward, the Commission appears to have bypassed meaningful public or peer review in a proceeding of grave importance to the future of television." --National Association of Broadcasters Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton
"This is a clear victory for Internet users and anyone who wants good wireless communications... "I've always thought that there are a lot of really incredible things that engineers and entrepreneurs can do with this spectrum. We will soon have "WiFi on steroids," since these spectrum signals have much longer range than today's WiFi technology and broadband access can be spread using fewer base stations resulting in better coverage at lower cost. And it is wonderful that the FCC has adopted the same successful unlicensed model used for WiFi, which has resulted in a projected 1 billion Wi-Fi chips being produced this year. Now that the FCC has set the rules, I'm sure that we'll see similar growth in products to take advantage of this spectrum. "--Larry Page, Co-Founder and President of Products of Google
"The FCC has taken a significant step to usher in a new era of technology allowing for major investments in innovative wireless broadband, education, and government/enterprise applications to spur economic development. Motorola looks forward to developing products to market that will help consumers realize the full potential of the TVWS including the opportunity to make broadband access, as well as other communication services, available to millions of underserved Americans."-- Motorola Co-CEO and President Greg Brown
"The bipartisan decision to open white spaces puts consumers first, marking a change in Internet policy we can all believe in. Over the past eight years, the United States has fallen behind many other world leaders in providing fast, affordable Internet access. Nearly half of American homes are still not connected to broadband. The phone and cable companies that dominate the broadband market promise more of the same slow speeds and high prices that put us in this mess. Opening white spaces adds much-needed competition and innovation--sparking economic growth at a time when jobs and investment are on a downward spiral. Thankfully, the mudslinging is over. Now it's time to start a new era of innovation that will help close the digital divide and finally provide Internet for everyone."--Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press

White spaces decision will haunt the FCC

Andrew M. Seybold — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:25:37 -0500

The FCC commissioners gave Google, Microsoft and others a "big" win Tuesday when it authorized unlicensed use of TV white space in the United States. I want to go on record here to say that this decision will come back to haunt the FCC--present and future--as thousands of people find their ability to watch TV has been compromised and their ability to hear what is happening at concerts has been interrupted by interference caused by these new white space "smart" devices that will be used to provide broadband data access.

According to the FCC, any device that is to be used for unlicensed white space spectrum will have to undergo a "rigorous certification process" before it is authorized. I would like to remind anyone who may not remember that Nextel got the go-ahead from the FCC before it started deploying its faux-cellular system. This system has since caused a lot of interference to public safety and business radio systems and is causing Sprint Nextel to spend billions of dollars to "reband" the spectrum to eliminate the interference it has caused.

This interference occurred in spite of the fact that public safety radios are built to a very high standard and are designed to reject interference. TV receivers, on the other hand, are not designed to handle adjacent channel interference, which is the reason the FCC has never assigned TV channel frequencies next to each other in the same city. There are some built-in frequency gaps in the assignments, so it may appear as though there are some sequential channels in some areas, but the FCC determined a long time ago that permitting TV channels on adjacent spectrum would cause an interference problem for TV receivers and would adversely affect the TV viewing experience.

Yet the FCC, which seems to have become a political rather than technical organization, has approved the use of TV white space spectrum for unlicensed broadband services regardless of the fact that much of this white space is already being used by police, fire and business two-way radio customers on a shared basis, and that wireless microphones use TV white space on a daily basis. This has worked so far because two-way radio systems, like TV stations, are licensed. If there is an interference problem, those who are using the spectrum can be identified. In the case of this new use of TV white space for unlicensed broadband, there is no such protection. Unlicensed users are not required to register their location, and if they cause interference to their own or their neighbors' TV sets, they probably won't realize they are the culprits and will complain to the TV station, the vendor that sold them their TV, or perhaps even the FCC, which will simply respond that it has trimmed its field force and doesn't have anyone to look into the problem or trace the source of the interference.

Those selling this equipment will, of course, deny that their products are causing the problem, and those who pushed the FCC into making this decision will claim the equipment vendors are the ones at fault, not their lack of understanding of the issues of interference. I think this decision will end up creating a major problem for both the vendors of unlicensed equipment and those consumers who simply want to watch TV.

In spite of those who cautioned against moving forward with this ruling, and there were many besides the broadcasters, the FCC commissioners decided to cave into the likes of Google and Microsoft. Both are companies without any real expertise in the area of wireless broadband and they seem to believe that wireless is just like wired. The problem with this is that it isn't! Interference is a fact of life for wireless networks but it can be managed when it can be identified. When it is caused by unlicensed users, there is no way to control it--just ask those who still try to use the Citizens' band, a band the FCC lost control over and abandoned years ago.

Andrew Seybold is an authority on technology and trends shaping the world of wireless mobility. A respected analyst, consultant, commentator, author and active participant in industry trade organizations, his views have influenced strategies and shaped initiatives for telecom, mobile computing and wireless industry leaders worldwide.

What do you think of the white space ruling? Take our poll...

And... Check out our Sound Off featuring industry players debating the white space decision

FCC approves white spaces, creates interference restrictions

Phil Goldstein — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:04:05 -0500

WASHINGTON--Ushering in a new era of wireless communications, the FCC voted Tuesday to approve the unlicensed use of TV white space spectrum for wireless applications and devices. However, the FCC did add some rigorous conditions under which the devices would have to operate to prevent interference.

White space spectrum--the spectrum that sits between airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters--has been the focus of intense debate for months. Tech companies such as Google, Microsoft and Motorola had been advocating using those slices of spectrum to bring broadband wireless access to rural areas of the United States and to increase the use of wireless devices and applications in the spectrum in general.

The FCC heralded the decision as a big step forward for wireless technology in the United States. "One of the lessons of history I have learned since coming to the commission is the power of technology to turn scarcity into abundance," Commissioner Michael Copps said.

The FCC voted to approve the use of both unlicensed fixed band devices and portable personal devices that have geolocation capabilities and access to an FCC database of TV signals and locations of things such as stadiums, churches and entertainment venues where wireless microphones were being used. These database and geolocation capabilities would, in theory, prevent interference with broadcast TV stations and wireless microphones and ensure compliance with FCC rules.

The FCC did not approve devices that used spectrum sensing technology only, but did say that these devices could be approved at a later date if they would undergo additional certifications, including proof-of-performance tests. These tests would be public and public comment could be made on them.

"Does this seem almost too good to be true? It does," Copps said. "But so did the modern cell phone industry. And the explosion of WiFi devices. This is the history of wireless industry in a nutshell, with the nearly miraculous becoming commonplace."

Copps noted that all white space devices would have get individual FCC approval, and could be shut off if interfere or if there is a manufacturing flaw in the device.

Commisioner Jonathan Adelstein praised the effort. "White spaces are the blank pages on which we'll write our broadband future," he said.

Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate dissented in part on the measure, and expressed concerns that the process for dealing with potential interference issues was too vague.

Google, in particular, was intensely involved in the lobbying, starting a website, www.freetheairwaves.com, to argue their case. Top Microsoft executives, including founder Bill Gates, weighed in on the matter.

The move was vehemently opposed by the National Broadcasters Association, which argued that that unlicensed use of white space would create too much interference for broadcasters, and a slew of recording artists who said that it would interfere with wireless microphones used in performances.

The battle drew in members of Congress who argued for a delay on the vote and U.S. Sen. John Kerry, who argued that the proposal should be voted on.

Commisioner Robert McDowell said the order was "prudent" and "cautious" and had appropriate safeguards for interference.

"One day we will likely look back on this order and think of it is quaint, but today it is state-of-the-art," he said.

Related Articles:
Microsoft intensifies white-space lobbying efforts
Lawmakers jump into fray over white-space
Motorola, NAB press cases before FCC white-space vote
FCC set to vote on white-space issue Nov. 4

Dolly Parton, musicians croon: delay white-space vote

Phil Goldstein — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:59:49 -0400

Dolly Parton, the country music star and actress has waded into the debate over whether or not white-space spectrum (spectrum that sits between airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters) should be used for unlicensed wireless applications and devices. Parton is against the idea, joining others such as the megachurch pastor Joel Osteen, who argue that opening up white-space spectrum would cause interference for wireless microphones. The FCC is set to vote on the issue Nov. 4.

Parton said in a letter she sent to the five FCC commissioners that she was adding her name to a list of those supporting the National Association of Broadcasters in calling for a delay of the vote to have more public comment. Among the performances and venues that Parton said could be affected by the decision included the musical 9 to 5, Dollywood performances and events sponsored by the Grand Ol Opry. Parton contended that the entertainment industry could be adversely affected by the decision at a time when the country's economy is already weak.

Charlotte St. Martin, the executive director of the Broadway League, applauded Parton's filing. "The Broadway community is extremely appreciative that someone with Dolly Parton's multi-faceted talent and worldwide commercial endeavors has reached out to the FCC urging the commissioners to remain committed to protecting countless businesses and industries that have thrived on wireless microphone use for decades," she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a coalition of more than 100 artists and musicians also have sent a letter to the FCC echoing Parton's claims.

For more:
-see Parton's letter
-see the musicans' letter

Related Articles:
Pastor Joel Osteen joins white spaces debate
Professional sports leagues concerned about white space spectrum

Microsoft intensifies white-space lobbying efforts

Phil Goldstein — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:13:10 -0400

Microsoft is launching an intensified lobbying effort to convince the FCC commissioners to support the proposal to allow white space spectrum (the spectrum that sits between airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters) to be used for unlicensed wireless applications and devices.

Craig Mundie, Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer, said in a conference call Monday morning sponsored by the Wireless Innovation Alliance that he had met with FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein earlier in the day and was planning on meeting with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin later in the day. He also said that he and Microsoft Chairman and founder Bill Gates were going to be calling FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell to personally press Microsoft's case.

The FCC is planning on voting on the proposal at its Nov. 4 meeting. The National Association of Broadcasters, which opposes the proposal because it says there will be too much interference with TV broadcast stations, has filed an emergency request to delay the vote by asking for more time for public comment.

Mundie said that those concerns were overblown, and that both in theory and in practical testing there was no reason to suggest that there would an interference issue. Opening up white-space represents a golden opportunity for the United States, he said.

"It's a great opportunity for the U.S. to not only develop the technology but to lead in its deployment," he said. "As broadband connectivity becomes more and more a part of everybody's daily life, you're just going to need more of it," Mundie said. "Here you could have propagation that could be much larger."

Mundie also said that his general sense was that the FCC was likely to vote to approve the use of unlicensed white-space. "I've been involved with them for quite a long time," he said referring to the FCC commissioners. "People seem to be generally favorable."

For more:
- see this article
-see this letter Mundie sent to Congressional offices

Related Articles:
Lawmakers jump into fray over white-space
Motorola, NAB press cases before FCC white-space vote
FCC set to vote on white-space issue Nov. 4

Lawmakers jump into fray over white-space

Phil Goldstein — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:03:40 -0400

Lawmakers stepped into the battle over white-space on Friday, with members of the House of Representatives urging a delay on the proposed Nov. 4 FCC vote, and U.S. Sen. John Kerry pressing the case for a vote.

The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on Nov. 4 on whether to allow TV white-space to be used for unlicensed wireless applications and devices, the position supported by the likes of Google, Motorola and Microsoft, among others. The National Association of Broadcasters, which vehemently opposes the move because they say it will cause too much interference, has filed an emergency petition to essentially delay the vote by asking for more time for public comment. They were joined Thursday by eight House members who, in a letter to the five FCC commissioners, urged the FCC to extend the public comment period to 60 days.

"Priority must be given to making the final decision a transparent and fair process," they said in the letter. "To justify a major spectrum policy decision on a 400-page technical report without a formal open comment period appears to violate this very basic premise of good government."

However, Sen. John Kerry sent a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin urging the FCC to vote on the matter and approve the use of white-space spectrum for mobile and fixed wireless applications.

"This approach will encourage innovative new broadband offerings and services for use by the American people," Kerry wrote. "I also urge you to consider steps to provide appropriate levels of protection for incumbents, while avoiding unnecessary restrictions that may render the white space devices unfeasible."

For more:
- see this article
- see Kerry's letter

Related Articles:
Motorola, NAB press cases before FCC white-space vote
FCC set to vote on white-space issue Nov. 4

Motorola, NAB press cases before FCC white-space vote

Phil Goldstein — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:34:46 -0400

The debate over white-space is getting white-hot.

Less than two weeks before the Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on whether it will allow white space spectrum, or the unlicensed spectrum that sits between airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters, to be used for unlicensed wireless applications, players on both sides of the issue are marshaling their arguments. Motorola, which along with companies such as Google and Microsoft, argues that white-space should be unlicensed, made an ex parte filing after Motorola CEO Greg Brown spoke with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin regarding the issue.

Brown spoke with Martin over the phone Wednesday and pressed the case that creating unlicensed applications for white-space spectrum has enormous potential and will lead to rural build-out of mobile broadband.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Broadcasters, which vehemently opposes the idea because they say it will create too much interference with their signals, earlier this week filed an emergency request for more time to comment on the proposal, essentially seeking to push back the vote, which is scheduled for Nov. 4.

For more:
- see the filing
- see this article

Related Articles:
FCC hopes to vote on white-space on Nov. 4
Tech companies laud FCC white-space decision

Tech companies laud FCC white-space decision

Phil Goldstein — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:18:24 -0400

Following the FCC's decision to vote on white-space on Nov. 4, industry players are applauding the decision, and one researcher from Philips said the company could have white-space devices ready in a year. Article

FCC hopes to vote on white-space on Nov. 4

Phil Goldstein — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:13:49 -0400

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission is seeking an Election Day vote by the commission on white-space, bringing to a head a long-running debate over whether white-space should be used for unlicensed wireless applications.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, said he was going to circulate a report to his fellow commissioners prepared by the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology that lays out what standards devices looking to operate in the white-spaces must meet to avoid interference with broadcasters. Companies like Google, Microsoft and HP have argued for unlicensed use of the white-space--the unused slivers of spectrum in the 700 MHz band between spectrum used by broadcast TV stations. Broadcasters have opposed the idea, saying it will create too much interference.

Martin said he hopes to vote on the idea at the FCC's Nov. 4 meeting.

"I'm hoping to take advantage of utilizing these airwaves for broadband services to allow for unlicensed technologies and new innovations in that space," he said. "This spectrum is very conducive to broadband service...the white spaces can be used as long as it does not interfere with broadcasters."

For more:
- see this article

Related Articles:
Google's Page, allies express support for white space
Google asks FCC to ignore Sprint, T-Mobile

Pastor Joel Osteen joins white spaces debate

Sue Marek — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:23:44 -0400

Joel Osteen, the pastor of Lakewood Church in Texas, who's weekly service attracts 40,000 people and a television audience of more than 7 million, has joined the white space debate and notified the FCC that he is concerned about the possibility that unlicensed white space devices may interfere with wireless systems, particularly wireless microphones.

In a letter to the FCC, Osteen said that his church services could not operate without wireless microphone technology, which allows pastors and musicians to interact more closely with members of the congregation. Osteen asks that the FCC protect wireless microphones by not authorizing unlicensed wireless devices that may cause interference.

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

For more:
- see a copy of Osteen's letter to the FCC

Related articles:
Professional sports leagues concerned about white space spectrum
Companies step up push to license white-space spectrum

Shared Spectrum Company looks to fill holes in wireless world

Phil Goldstein — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:17:19 -0400

As the debate over white-space heats up to a white-hot burn, Shared Spectrum Company (SSC) is coolly surveying the field and finding holes in some of the arguments for opening up white-space in an unlicensed manner just like its cognitive radio technology finds holes in spectrum.

The Vienna, Virginia-based company, headed by CEO Dr. Mark McHenry, specializes in cognitive radios, or Dynamic Spectrum Access radios, that detect where there are holes in unused spectrum and then redistributes the fallow spectrum for wireless use.

The technology, which McHenry started developing in 2000, has been gestating at and developed for DARPA, the Pentagon's research wing, and is being tested for battlefield use. The idea is U.S. soldiers can have higher quality radio access in harsh environments, where, for instance, enemy fighters might be trying to jam radio transmissions on certain parts of the spectrum.

Where SSC fits into the white-space debate is slightly ambiguous, mostly because of the uncertainty about the FCC's decision on whether to heed Google's and others' admonitions to make the white-space unlicensed. Therefore, SSC has been on the sidelines of the debate over the commercial aspects of white-space applications.

"The only difference between what we're doing now and white-space is the type of detector you build. We've already built the white-space detector, but there's no market right now," because of the uncertainty, McHenry said in an interview with FierceWireless. "Now that the whole thing might fail we've purposefully stayed out of it."

The difference between SSC and the Googles of the world when it comes to white-space is the power of the transmission that could be used in the white-space and the nature of the system. Saying, "90 percent of what we want, they want," McHenry said that his company's DSA radios could transmit at a power level of 10 watts, when what the FCC will probably provide fore is about 150 milliwatts, or maybe as high as 1 watt. What that means, he said, is that those company's transmitting at that power level will not be reaching as many people as they could, especially in rural areas, where DSA radios could link 15 kilometer stretches that are out of range of wireless cell towers because of the topography.

"That's what the FCC should focus on," McHenry said. "Here's a bunch of under-served people who are 10 to 15 kilometers from a tower. How do we help them? And they have no other answer."

McHenry said what he envisions as one of the possible achievements of cognitive radios is a world in which SSC's software and radio technology is harnessed to provide spectrum to a smaller constellation of wireless service providers who did not have the capital to buy it auction. After a larger commercial entity had aggregated spectrum, DSA radios could be used to parcel it out smaller players. He said SSC was "not trying to be another Motorola," but that because of the uniqueness of DSA radios, it could partner with a larger company that had the capital and infrastructure to take advantage of the technology.

"Why do I need the big carrier? You can almost envision a new way of providing wireless," he said.

Analysts were both skeptical and appreciative of the technology.

Andrew Seybold, president of Andrew Seybold Inc., a consultancy firm, and a FierceWireless contributor, said he had some concerns with cognitive radio technology in general.

"When you have licensed spectrum and you have interference, you know who to go after," he said. "How do I do that if someone's using that spectrum, if suddenly you need it for something? It's an interesting idea and it's certainly worth looking at, but to me, there's a lot issues with it."

Seybold said rural build-out should be done using the D-block's 700 MHz spectrum.

Kostas Liopiros, principal and owner of the consultancy The Sun Fire Group, said the idea of cognitive radios turns on whether the white-space will be licensed or unlicensed.

"And that will make the difference in the reliability of the service. With licensing, you would divide it where you can have areas with guaranteed availability of service," he said. "Unlicensed is where their might be interference but you depend upon the device not to transmit."

Liopiros said because SSC does not have the capital to branch out across the entire United states using the D-block, it would have to find some partner to help it do so.

"It's a neat technology. I think it generally works," he said. "I think it's going to be driven by the marketplace and the licensed vs. unlicensed thing, and that goes into the FCC."

Related Articles:
Google's Page, allies express support for white space
Google steps up white-space lobbying efforts with new web site

Video: WIA's Whitespace Primer - kinda cool isn't it?

Mike Dolan — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:53:28 -0400

The Wireless Innovation Alliance released a YouTube video to get the public on its side in advocating the use of white-space for unlicensed wireless applications.

Google's Page, allies express support for white space

Phil Goldstein — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:49:42 -0400

Google co-founder Larry Page yesterday said 16,000 people have signed a Google-sponsored petition in support of using unlicensed white-space spectrum for broadband wireless. Page was speaking at an event sponsored by the Wireless Innovation Alliance in Washington, D.C., that attracted a wide range of attendees, including representatives from Microsoft and Motorola.

In August, the search giant launched a web site called, www.freetheairwaves.com, on which visitors could sign a petition urging the FCC to open up unused TV airwaves for super WiFi-like services Google calls WiFi 2.0. The intention of the site was to get the common person involved in the debate by featuring YouTube videos that explain white space.

White space is the unused slivers of spectrum in the 700 MHz band between spectrum used by broadcast TV stations. Google advocates using those slices of spectrum to bring broadband wireless access to rural areas of the United States.

Some U.S. wireless carriers oppose the use of white space in an unlicensed manner, with Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA arguing it should be licensed and used for backhaul. The National Association of Broadcasters also opposes the idea, and says unlicensed devices will produce too much interference, and that tests on equipment to determine whether or not there would be interference have failed.

The FCC has yet to declare specific regulations for white-space, and it is still unclear whether a decision will be announced before the November elections.

Page also repeatedly brought up the statistic that there currently are 1 billion devices worldwide using WiFi technology on a 2.4 GHz spectrum; and said he was "amazed we're in the state of the debate we are in," calling it a "no brainer" to increase the "tiny slice" of spectrum WiFi technology currently operates on. "Having a greater radius of signal that you can provide cheaply is a huge economic advantage to the U.S. and the world," he said.

Mark Berejka, senior director for technology policy and strategy at Microsoft, took aim at the U.S. wireless industry, and said its claims about white space should be probed more deeply. Like a politician would on the stump, he told a story about a small rural wireless ISP that could not use point-to-point microwave spectrum for backhaul for Internet traffic, and was being "extorted" by its competitor for backhaul support.

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., appeared unannounced to deliver an impassioned plea to make white space available. "If we can go to the Moon, as they say, we can do white space," he said.

Related articles:
Google's Page pushes white-space agenda
Google asks FCC to ignore Sprint, T-Mobile
Google steps up white-space lobbying efforts with new web site

Is the D-Block dead?

Sue Marek — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:49:19 -0400

Whether you are an opponent of the white space debate or an advocate of the re-auction of the D-Block spectrum, some D.C. insiders believe that chances are slim that a decision on either issue will be made before year-end. One analyst with Stifel Nicolaus & Co says that she doesn't think either controversial project will be finalized this year. And if they are finalized, she thinks they could easily be reversed by those appointed by the next administration. Article

Google launches white spaces campaign

Sue Marek — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:29:47 -0400

Google is hoping public pressure will help it in its campaign to get the FCC to make white space spectrum available for unlicensed wireless Internet devices. The company today launched a campaign called "Free the Airwaves" that will target rural and Native American communities across the country that have inconsistent or no Internet connections.

Google has been lobbying to get this spectrum, which sits between the airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters, to be used 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.

The FCC just completed field-testing of various white-space devices and is expected to report its findings on those tests. 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.

For more:
- see this WSJ article (sub. req.)

Related articles:
Pressure mounting in white space debate
FCC expected to release white-space findings next month

Pressure mounting in white space debate

Sue Marek — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:43 -0400

Lobbyists are getting Capitol Hill involved in the white space debate. Earlier this 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."

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. 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.

For more:
- see this WSJ article (sub. req.)
- see this NY Times article

Related articles:
Motorola exec: FCC white space testing going well
White space debate won't be resolved with field testing

White space debate won't be resolved with field testing

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:05:49 -0400

If you thought the debate over white space spectrum was going to be settled through the field tests the FCC is conducting, think again. As field testing wraps up, we once again don't know who to believe--the companies who submitted prototypes and declared them a success or the opponents who said the prototypes failed in the field.

The FCC is conducting the tests to see whether the devices that access unused television airwaves, called "white spaces," will interfere with television broadcasts. 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, as well as users of wireless microphones.

Last week, Steve Sharkey, Motorola's senior director, regulatory and spectrum policy, told FierceWireless that the FCC has just finished most of the outdoor white space device testing and that Motorola's white space device, which used geolocation technology, did very well in the tests. Philips has said the same thing, indicating that its devices correctly identified occupied and unoccupied channels via sensing technology, although not necessarily the same ones each time, according to TVTechnology.com.

All of the tests have been open to the public, and apparently open to interpretation. Verizon Communications Executive Vice President Tom Tauke told Broadcasting & Cable that so far nobody's devices have passed the FCC's white space testing requirements. Verizon has been outspoken in its objection to letting companies use white space spectrum for wireless devices. Tauke says that the company favors licensed spectrum.

Shure, a leading manufacturer of microphones, says the FCC's tests of white-space prototypes at FedEx field prior to Saturday's game between the Redskins and the Buffalo Bills conclusively showed that spectrum-sensing white-space devices "will cause harmful interference to wireless microphones during live events," said Mark Brunner, Shure's senior director of public and industry relations. "Simply stated, the prototype devices were unable to consistently identify operating wireless microphones or distinguish occupied from unoccupied TV channels. More troubling, the devices failed to detect the presence of wireless microphones when switched on--an occurrence that takes place multiple times during any NFL game."

Brunner added that there is no reason to believe that further technology enhancements such as beacons would help solve the interference problem. "These tests reveal fundamental deficiencies of sensing devices--issues that cannot be pushed off with a promise to resolve these problems at some later time during certification testing," he said.

When the FCC concludes the outdoors testing, the agency will prepare a report and make overall recommendations on the use of white-space devices. And whatever side the report favors, you can bet this issue will be far from being resolved given not only the strong opposition but also the commission's strong desire to see white space devices usher in more broadband competition. --Lynnette

Motorola exec: FCC white space testing going well

Sue Marek — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:43:52 -0400

The FCC's white space device field test, which started last month, is going very well-- at least for some companies. In an interview yesterday with FierceWireless, Steve Sharkey, Motorola's senior director, regulatory and spectrum policy, said that the FCC has just finished most of the outdoor white space device testing and that Motorola's white space device did very well in the tests. Sharkey said that Motorola uses geolocation technology, which means it uses a combination of location technology (such as GPS) and a database that advises the device on what channel to use and whether or not there is compatibility with other white space devices."The geolocation approach has proved highly reliable," Sharkey says.

The FCC is on track to finish its white space testing soon and the commission will release a report with all the test information. Sharkey believes that based upon the performance of Motorola's device, geolocation technology will be part of the recommendation for white space device specifications.

Verizon Communications Executive Vice President Tom Tauke told Broadcasting & Cable that so far nobody's devices have passed the FCC's white space testing requirements. Verizon has been outspoken in its objection to letting companies use white space spectrum for wireless devices. Tauke says that the company favors licensed spectrum.

For more:
- see this article

Related articles:
FCC will field test white space devices
Google, Philips, Moto submit white space devices