At the FCC’s open meeting today, the Commission adopted a First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making taking the first steps towards permitting "low power devices" to operate in the broadcast television spectrum.  Although the actual Order has yet to be released, the News Release issued today states that the Commission has concluded that fixed (not mobile) low power devices can be allowed to operate on vacant TV channels, and that the marketing of such devices can commence the day after the DTV transition, February 18, 2009.  At the same time, however, the News Release states that the NPRM will invite comment on the rules necessary to protect TV broadcasting and other services from harmful interference, and seek input on whether such devices should be permitted on a licensed or unlicensed basis.  Furthermore, the NPRM will solicit additional information necessary to determine whether personal or portable devices can operate in any of the TV channels without causing harmful interference.  Continue Reading First (Baby) Steps Towards Devices in TV White Space