McDowell optimistic "White Spaces" proposal will pass

Federal Communications Commission member Robert McDowell said on Wednesday he is optimistic communications officials will approve a plan, backed by Microsoft and Google, to open soon-to-be vacant television airwaves. Predicting a 5-0 vote, Commissioner McDowell said, "The order itself is a very tight box. Each device still has to be certified by the FCC." He said there is great potential for a new wave of innovative and faster devices to be developed by the private sector with the new spectrum. National Association of broadcasters President David Rehr sent a letter late yesterday to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin asking a series of questions related to the agency's plan to allow unlicensed "white spaces" devices to operate in television spectrum.