Fight continues over white-spaces sharing : Broadcasters, hi-tech spar over test results

The war of words continues over government testing of wireless devices that could be allowed to operate in vacant broadcast spectrum, with claims about the viability of Wi-Fi operations in white spaces as divergently polarized as congressional testimony over whether pitching great Roger Clemens used steroids.
The Wireless Innovation Alliance, a group of tech firms and public-interest organizations that back wireless broadband exploitation of TV white spaces, wrote members of Congress to urge that Federal Communications Commission testing be based on engineering rather than politics.
“FCC engineers have a long and noteworthy record of enabling the introduction of new technologies into the marketplace safely and effectively, and they will evaluate the white spaces opportunity using the same rigorous process,” WIA’s letter stated. “Unfortunately, some entities are seeking to politicize the science behind the agency’s engineering work. The FCC’s science and examination process should not be compromised. We urge Congress to continue allowing the FCC to collect the data it may need to build its engineering analysis – free from political interference. This is an engineering process that should be conducted by the FCC, the expert agency.”
The FCC is conducting a second round of white spaces testing, the outcome of which will largely determine whether the agency opens up TV white spaces for new wireless applications.
The latest flare-up was triggered by new problems – involving the power supply, though not spectrum detection and protection – encountered by a Microsoft Corp. device in recent FCC testing. Last summer, the FCC found a Microsoft white spaces device failed to prevent interference. High-tech representatives attributed the outcome to a damaged Microsoft device. They are quick to add, however, that the ability of other wireless devices to function without causing interference to TV broadcasting and wireless microphones proves technology in fact exists. Several years ago, the high-tech industry and the Department of Defense agreed on protocols to enable expanded Wi-Fi access in the 5 GHz band without compromising military radar.
Broadcasters remain concerned.
“By failing two out of two tests at the FCC, Microsoft and the Wireless Innovation Alliance have demonstrated that unlicensed devices are not ready for prime time,” said Dennis Wharton, a spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters. “This admission by ‘white space’ proponents vindicates beyond doubt the interference concerns expressed by broadcasters, sports leagues, wireless microphone companies and theater operators. Completing a successful transition to digital television ought not be jeopardized by introducing risky technology that has proven to be unworkable.”