TV White Spaces Proceeding (Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands -- ET Docket No. 04-186)

Date: 09/23/2010

Summary

On September 23, 2010, the FCC freed up vacant airwaves between TV channels -- called “white spaces” -- to unleash a host of new technologies, such as “super Wi-Fi,” and myriad other diverse applications.

The Second Memorandum Opinion and Order (Second MO&O) resolves numerous legal and technical issues. Notably, the Order eliminates the requirement that TV bands devices that incorporate geo-location and database access must also include sensing technology to detect the signals of TV stations and low-power auxiliary service stations (wireless microphones). It also requires wireless microphone users who seek to register in the TV bands databases to certify that they will use all available channels from 7 through 51 prior to requesting registration. Requests to register in the database will be public, thus allowing interested parties to weigh in on any given request.

The FCC also took steps to ensure that incumbent services are protected from interference from the use of white spaces in various ways. The Order reserves two vacant UHF channels for wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary service devices in all areas of the country. It also maintains a reasonable separation distance between TV White Space device and wireless microphone usage permitted to be registered in the database

Read the Opinion and Order

Description

The Federal Communications Commission is conducting a proceeding in ET Docket No. 04-186 to consider authorizing the operation of new, low power devices in the TV broadcast spectrum at locations where channels are not being used for authorized services, including broadcast television, broadcast auxiliary services such as wireless microphones, and private land mobile radio (primarily public safety). This unused spectrum is often referred to at the "TV white spaces." As part of the proceeding on this matter, the Office of Engineering and Technology is conducting a test program to assess performance capabilities of devices that would operate in the TV white spaces. These tests focus on examining the ability of such devices to sense the signals of broadcast television and wireless microphone signals and their potential for causing interference to those services.

Issues

The Federal Communications Commission's Office of Engineering and technology (OET) maintains a page for updates on TV band device testing. See http://www.fcc.gov/oet/projects/tvbanddevice/Welcome.html