Broadcast Law Blog
Tech Companies Push for Wireless Internet on TV Frequencies
In a curious bit of timing, on the day after the NTIA released its Order setting out the process for providing consumers coupons to finance their purchase of converter boxes to allow their analog televisions to continue to receive a signal after the digital transition, a coalition of high-tech companies visited the FCC to promote the use of the television spectrum to provide a wireless broadband Internet service. We wrote about the FCC proceeding to allow these uses, on a non-interference basis, here, when the FCC launched its "white spaces proceeding."
The proposal by many of the leading high-tech companies, including Microsoft, Intel, Google and other computer manufacturers, would allow smart devices to operate in the television band to send and receive wireless Internet signals, without interfering with television users. The NAB has expressed concerns about whether these devices could in fact operate without interference to television stations. In a Washington Post story, it was reported that the companies provided the FCC with a prototype device for testing, and stated that the devices could be ready for consumers by 2009 - perfectly timed for the end of the digital television transition.
This is a proceeding that all television broadcasters should watch carefully.
Professional audio wireless systems are also competing for white space space. An event such as Super Bowl typically involves over 1,000 channels of RF microphones and communications (broadcast, audio production, event staff, and of course the teams and officials). Wireless mic manufacturers are working to protect their spectrum and raise public awareness that not just broadcast but also major live entertainment (such as rock concerts), sports and other events requiring RF audio systems may be impacted by unlicensed devices allowed to operate in the white space.
Steve Harvey
West Coast Editor/Pro Sound News
From ProSoundNews.com
New "White Spaces" Legislation Proposed
New York (March 8, 2007)--Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) has introduced a proposal for H.R. 1320, The Interference Protection for Existing Television Band Devices Act of 2007. The legislation allows fixed, unlicensed device use of the "white spaces" between broadcast television channels (between 54 MHz and 698 MHz) after the national transition to digital television broadcasting in February, 2009--but it also requires unlicensed device manufacturers to demonstrate that their device will not interfere with existing "white spaces" products, including wireless microphone systems.
Under the proposed Rush legislation, portable (mobile) unlicensed device use of the "white spaces" would only be permitted after the fixed devices operate for three years without causing interference. In addition, portable device manufacturers would have to assure non-interference from their devices through thorough engineering analysis, design, and testing.
Sandy LaMantia, President and CEO of Shure Incorporated, which has strenuously lobbied for the protection of pro audio's use of white spaces, endorsed the Rush bill and described it as "an astute and balanced approach to the so-called 'white spaces' debate in Washington. It promises the continued development of new technologies without creating mass disruption in the production of major entertainment, religious, sports, and news events. Shure will continue to communicate to all of our customers across the nation, focusing a great deal of our support for the Rush legislation in the major metropolitan areas that are home to so many of these important applications for wireless systems. I would expect legislators from every major metropolitan area to be very interested in this bill, based on their constituent reliance on wireless microphone technology."
Congressman Rush
www.house.gov/rush
Shure, Inc.
www.shure.com