Editor’s Note: Welcome to our weekly Reality Check column. We’ve gathered a group of visionaries and veterans in the mobile industry to give their insights into the marketplace.
There have been some press releases lately announcing the formation of a White Spaces Database Group that has voluntarily come together to identify and establish open and non-proprietary formats and protocols which may eventually culminate in FCC recommendations on the operation of a white spaces database. Of course, Google, HP, Microsoft, Dell and Motorola are all initial founders of this group, as they should be, given the tremendous opportunities that this spectrum holds for broadband coverage and technology development. They are the principal technology companies in this space so far, and it’s meaningful that they have taken the lead to develop the database specifications for devices that will use white space spectrum.
I’m a little confused why Comsearch and NeuStar are active participants at this point in time, but I probably won’t be confused anymore when they and perhaps several other database management providers seek to provide the actual database of white space incumbents that are to be avoided by white space devices. We also know that the FCC prefers industry consensus on such things, and I have to believe that the FCC is quite pleased that these technology firms have volunteered to lead this necessary initiative as the agency would be hard pressed to do this on their own.
Please understand that I’m a big fan of this group as the quicker progress is made towards these protocols, the faster the FCC will launch whatever they need to do to confirm the protocols and identify the qualifications of database providers. One must remember that these white space devices must have a combination of type-accepted geolocation and spectrum-sensing technologies before devices may be permitted to wander around the white space spectrum seeking unoccupied capacity. Broadcast stations and certain other licensed wireless operations must be avoided. I have a high level of confidence that the device manufacturers will meet the technology development challenges. I suspect there are enough experts in developing and managing interactive databases that can be downloaded from the internet to white space devices.
The faster progress is made within the White Spaces Database Group, the faster products may develop, not only for unlicensed mobile devices, but for fixed broadband operations as well in the white space spectrum below 512 MHz. That is where there is a substantial number of business enterprise, public safety and regional service provider incumbent operations. Many of these entities have had less than favorable experiences in other unlicensed bands where the interference potential has limited serious investments in critical wireless networks. The white space spectrum holds significant promise for these types of operations. Imagine the possibilities for state and local governments, local wireless service providers, manufacturers, transportation hubs, power plants and oil refineries.
Like I said, I’m a big fan of TV white spaces, and now I’m a big fan of the White Spaces Database Group. Progress in this area is a great development.
Mark E. Crosby is the President/CEO of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), a national association based in Mclean, Virginia that is dedicated to assisting enterprise business users, wireless sales and service providers and technology vendors in the development of wireless communications solutions that promote corporate productivity and business results. EWA is also an FCC-certified frequency advisory committee that provides spectrum management and licensing services.
You may reach Mark at mark.crosby@enterprisewireless.org. You may reach RCR Wireless at rcrwebhelp@crain.com.
