Broadcasters challenge FCC 'white space' report

The National Association of Broadcasters has filed an emergency petition with the Federal Communications Commission in an effort to change the agency's mind about supporting the use of "white space" spectrum. The NAB, which has opposed the use of "white space" spectrum, said in a statement that it has filed a request for the commission to take public comments on a report that the FCC issued earlier this week stating that this spectrum could be opened up for unlicensed use without interfering with licensed spectrum holders. The report said that geolocation and sensing technologies were adequate in preventing interference. The FCC is set to vote on a proposal to open up this spectrum during its November 4 open meeting. Incumbent spectrum license holders, such as TV broadcasters and cell phone operators, say wireless devices that access this unlicensed spectrum will cause interference in the neighboring spectrum bands. The NAB said that the FCC's own report contradicts claims that devices using white space spectrum do not interfere with services using adjacent spectrum channels.

The Federal Communications Commission says it will consider a broadcaster plea to delay its November 4 vote on whether to authorize unlicensed white space devices (WSDs). But judging from the Commission's initial response, the agency doesn't sound crazy about the idea.