FCC Seeks White Spaces Database Managers

Moving forward with plans to use 'white spaces' for wireless broadband, the Federal Communications Commission is seeking an administrator of a planned TV band database. "The database will tell a TV band device which TV channels are vacant and can be used at its location," the FCC said in its request for proposals, issued Wednesday. "The database also will be used to register the locations of fixed TV band devices and protected locations and channels of incumbent services that are not recorded in Commission databases." With the move, the FCC takes another step toward implementing its November 2008 order allowing the unlicensed use of white spaces -- or the radio airwaves not used by television broadcasters -- for broadband. Proposals are due January 4, 2010; comments on proposals are due February 3, 2010; and replies to comments are due February 18, 2010.