[opendtv] --FCC OKs WiFi between TV channels
- From: "John Shutt" <shuttj@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "OpenDTV" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 14:42:12 -0400
http://bth.broadcastengineering.com/may_17/index.htm
FCC OKs WiFi between TV channels
Beyond The Headlines, May 14 2004
The vote begins a lengthy rulemaking process in which television
broadcast stations will oppose the plan.
Television broadcasting took a back seat to WiFi - the wireless
computer networking technology - when the FCC last week approved new rules
that allow computers to communicate in the spaces between broadcast
channels.
In an unanimous vote, FCC members endorsed a plan Thursday to tap
unused television spectrum to bring high-speed Internet connections and
other wireless technologies to more computer users, especially in rural
areas.
The vote begins a lengthy rulemaking process in which television
broadcast stations will oppose the plan. Broadcasters contend it might cause
interference, disrupting reception of terrestrial television signals.
However, Ed Thomas, the FCC's chief engineer, said current technology
can avoid interference problems. WiFi can sense when a frequency is being
used and scan for another available pocket of spectrum. That technology,
Thomas said, can be expanded to the television spectrum to avoid
interference.
Under the plan, wireless companies would be allowed access to the
unused spectrum in local areas between channels five and 51, with a few
exceptions. The frequencies available involve spectrum below 700MHz, Thomas
said. These lower frequency bands allow signals to travel farther, easily
penetrating walls, trees and other obstructions through which higher
frequencies cannot pass.
Wireless users would not have to obtain spectrum licenses, but could
only operate in the unused bands in a way that causes no interference with
licensed broadcasters, the FCC said.
The FCC's action drew praise from consumer and industry groups.
The FCC will take comments from the public over the next two and a
half months. Final rules are expected in about six months to a year.
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