For a few years there, we thought any device set up to operate on these so-called white spaces -- which have been vacated following the analog-to-digital TV transition -- would be forced to use spectrum sensing modules in order to ensure that no TV station was operating in areas in which it wanted to. Based on the FCC's Second Memorandum Opinion and Order, which was just published a few days back, it looks as if forthcoming white space devices will not be required to ping databases in order to make absolutely sure that it won't interfere with TV stations.
That's the long and short of it, which is fantastic (if not expected) news for device makers and anyone who despises red tape, but Ars Technica has taken an in-depth look at why the Commission made such a call. Indeed, the FCC's 2008 Order mandated that white space gadgets check in beforehand in order to "protect TV signals from interference." Essentially, the call that nixed this addition was the fact that this security ring would inadvertently provide "many wireless microphones systems that go to unlicensed use" -- things like wireless systems at churches, football games, concerts, etc. As with anything FCC-related, it's a long and wordy explanation, but those interested in the finer details are just one click away from the nitty-gritty.
There seems to be some misunderstanding on this forum about the FCC's approval for "white spaces" to be used for services other than licensed broadband.
This appears to mean that the white spaces can be used for other types of wireless services, NOT that broadband Internet services can be provided without a broadband license. Here's a link to the blog from which you posted excerpts followed by the entire blog entry (with emphasis added).
I was considering the recent news of the FCC allowing wireless Internet broadcasts over unused television frequencies. Would these devices be called wireless broadband phones? Or, would they be called something different?
Thanks,
Enrique
Dear Enrique,
It's too early to say what types of devices or services will be built using the "white space" frequencies. So I am not sure what the devices will be called. But my guess is that there will likely be a whole range of devices and services that use the spectrum. "White spaces" are slivers of unused spectrum that sit between TV channels. The FCC recently authorized this spectrum to be used without a license for wireless broadband services.
Given that the frequencies that will be available for unlicensed use do not stretch across the entire U.S., it's unlikely that any company would use it exclusively to develop a nationwide voice or data service to compete with the major wireless players. But the spectrum could be used regionally to help existing service providers augment or offload traffic from their existing networks. Or it could be used for entirely new applications.
For example, in Wilmington, NC, the city tested technology that used white space spectrum to monitor traffic at intersections to regulate the traffic lights in order to reduce congestion, fuel consumption, travel time, support local law enforcement, and assist with hurricane and disaster evacuations.
It was also used to wirelessly connect cameras in city parks to police for surveillance. Radios are also set up in city parks to provide free Wi-Fi access to residents and city workers.
And finally, the city and county used the spectrum to remotely monitor and manage wetland areas to comply with EPA regulations. Because these areas are hard to get to, there is no fiber optic network that can be used to transmit data from sensors in the field. So people go out in boats and canoes to collect the data from the monitors. Now using the white space network, the data can be transmitted wirelessly.
These are just a few applications that have already been tested using white spectrum. And there are likely to be many more as device makers and service providers think of new ways to use the technology.
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