This again. So, are the likes of Microsoft truly interested in becoming telecom
providers, as Google is still trying to do with Google Fiber 2.0 (fixed
wireless 5G), or is this just adding noise to the circuit, as Microsoft tried
to do wrt the 16:9 TV aspect ratio debates years ago?
I suppose, as long as these are rural uses of TV spectrum, and the channels are
truly unused by TV stations, should be no major problem. Not that the 6 MHz
channels provide that much capacity, for credible broadband service to more
than a couple of households.
Then there's this:
"'We want rural broadband,' Smith said, pointing out that the new ATSC 3.0
standard would allow broadcasters to be a broadband player, too, but added that
he did not want that at the price of doing something 'too early.'"
Really? Is this another example of disingenuously pretending that the ATSC 3.0
one-way broadcast channel magically provides "interactivity," such as VOD, all
by itself, or is this another example of vaguely claiming that "all we need is
a backchannel"?
Let's get real. To provide any measure of credible broadband service, no way
can you mix TV broadcast with broadband service. Therefore, it makes no sense
to use ATSC 3.0 which, as written, cannot provide two-way broadband service.
(As written, ATSC 3.0 can USE broadband service, not provide it.) Best go with
something already written to do that job, over the TV bands, such as IEEE
802.22.
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/browse/standards/get-program/page/series?id=68
Of course, TV stations can take on this new role too. No need to try to
force-fit ATSC 3.0 into the equation.
Bert
--------------------------------------------
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/microsoft-pushes-tv-white-spaces/170844
Washington
Jan 02, 2018 11:34 AM ET
Microsoft Pushes for TV White Spaces
Move comes as broadcasters large and small eye new spectrum spaces
By John Eggerton
Adopting a "CAN" do attitude, computer companies, edge providers and others
have banded together to push Washington to let them use the so-called TV white
spaces to close the rural digital divide.
Microsoft, which has long eagerly eyed the low-band TV spectrum, has joined
with ACT: The App Association and various rural and education groups to form
the Connect Americans Now (CAN) coalition.
That comes as full-power broadcasters are looking for more of that broadcast
spectrum to simulcast new ATSC 3.0 next generation signals and low powers and
translators displaced in the post incentive auction repack are looking for new
spectrum homes, so there is plenty of competing interest in that low-band TV
spectrum.
"Join our fight to bring broadband to all rural Americans," the coalition,
billed as "a Microsoft supported community of concerned citizens, local
organizations, rural advocates, and leading innovators," tells would-be
supporters on a slick new site. "tell Washington to take action to bridge the
digital divide now!"
It argues that closing the digital divide, which is an FCC priority, requires
insuring there is enough unlicensed low-band spectrum in each market to ensure
connectivity.
National Association of Broadcasters president Gordon Smith told a C-SPAN
audience two weeks ago that it made no sense to push forward with opening up
more TV spectrum to unlicensed use before the FCC determined how much would be
needed for licensed broadcasters in the repack.
"Until we know the full consequences, intended and unintended, their request
for free [unlicensed] spectrum, is a little premature," Smith said given that
broadcasters have such a big public policy goal to achieve in the post-auction
repack.
Smith said he thought rural broadband should be part of an infrastructure
package and that there could be room for Microsoft once the technology is more
"proven up."
"We want rural broadband," Smith said, pointing out that the new ATSC 3.0
standard would allow broadcasters to be a broadband player, too, but added that
he did not want that at the price of doing something "too early."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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