Google, others suffer setback as FCC nixes ‘white space’ devices

High-tech giants seeking a new avenue for wireless Internet access suffered at least a temporary setback as a result of government tests that found prototype, Wi-Fi-like devices had trouble detecting TV signals and caused interference to broadcasters and wireless microphones. The tests studied operations in vacant broadcast guard-band spectrum known as “white spaces.”
“Given these results, further testing of these devices was not deemed appropriate at this time,” stated FCC engineers.
The FCC is trying to decide whether TV white space should be made available on an unlicensed basis, through traditional exclusive licensing, or by some combination of the two approaches, with an eye toward issuing a ruling this fall.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has faced congressional pressure to make TV white spaces available for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed wireless applications. Martin earlier this year told the Senate Commerce Committee that freeing up white spaces on an unlicensed basis would be far less complicated than licensing the frequencies.
Two panel members are pushing TV white spaces legislation. Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.), is sponsoring a bill that would expedite the release of TV white space and permit both unlicensed and licensed services. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), for his part, is calling for exclusive unlicensed use of vacant broadcast spectrum currently employed as guard bands.
The high-tech sector-represented by the White Spaces Coalition-remains confident it can build Wi-Fi products that meet FCC requirements. High-tech firms successfully worked with the Department of Defense to design smart Wi-Fi gear capable of avoiding disruption to military radar.
“Coalition members are encouraged that FCC engineers did not find fault with our operating parameters and remain confident that unlicensed television spectrum can be used without interference,” the group stated. “In fact, in its report the FCC stated that ‘the bench test results indicate that under laboratory conditions this device is generally able to reliably detect DTV signals.’ We will work with the Federal Communications Commission to resolve any open questions quickly enabling the FCC to meet its October deadline and delivering on the common goal of driving innovation and expanding Internet access for all Americans.”
Among the companies involved in the design of prototype signal-sensing Wi-Fi devices are Google Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp. and Philips North America.
The broadcasting industry said FCC lab results confirm its assertion that TV white spaces are no place for unlicensed wireless devices.
“We appreciate FCC Chairman Kevin Martin’s leadership and the thorough consideration of this important issue given by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology,” said Dennis Wharton, executive vice president of the National Association of Broadcasters. “FCC testing results confirm what NAB, MSTV (Association for Maximum Service Television) and others have long contended: that the portable, unlicensed devices proposed by high-tech firms can’t make the transition from theory to actuality without compromising interference-free television reception.”