NAB Drops Challenge of FCC's White Space Decision

The National Association of Broadcasters has dropped its court challenge of the Federal Communications Commission's 2008 decision on allowing the use of unlicensed devices in the so-called "white spaces" between TV channels.

"NAB has reviewed the FCC's Third Opinion and Order and determined that it is no longer necessary for it to pursue this petition for review," said NAB in asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to dismiss the challenge.

"We commend NAB for filing to dismiss its court challenge to the FCC's white spaces order," said unlicensed device fans Public Knowledge. "Assuming the court grants the motion, the last potential legal obstacle to the use of this valuable unlicensed spectrum will be removed and the innovations that are just beginning can continue to proceed with new confidence."