I see this as a not so subtle jab by the FCC at the free to air
broadcasters.
Hunold, Ken wrote:
Broadcasters *already* use this space, if only indirectly. Wireless microphones, for one, already use these frequencies in the TV band. This is a huge hornet's nest that has been kicked recently by these attempts to allow unlicensed devices to use these frequencies. There is much to suggest that these new devices will not play well with others. News, Sports, and Entertainment productions stand to be impacted greatly by this step. Just because there isn't a TV station operating on a frequency does not mean that it is "unused."
Ken Hunold
-----Original Message----- From: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Manfredi, Albert E Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 4:08 PM To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [opendtv] FCC TAKES STEPS TO ALLOW NEW LOW POWER DEVICES ON VACANT TV CHANNELS
A lot of positive opinions about this move to use the so-called TV white spaces, from each of the commissioners, is also available at http://www.fcc.gov/, under 12 October.
The going-in assumption seems to be that this "unused" space would be used by Internet broadband access providers, and it would be unlicensed. But heck, if it's available, then why don't broadcasters themselves go for it? Depending what the specifics are to be, e.g. on power limits, broadcasters might make good use of it too, no?
Are they permitted?
Bert
------------------------------------- http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-267867A1.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: October 12, 2006 Bruce Romano (202) 418-2470
FCC TAKES STEPS TO ALLOW NEW LOW POWER DEVICES ON VACANT TV CHANNELS
Washington, D.C. - The Commission today adopted a First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking taking the first important steps toward allowing new low power devices to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where channels in that spectrum are not in use by television stations or other authorized services. This action will enable the development of new and innovative types of devices and services for businesses and consumers.
In the First Report and Order, the Commission concluded that fixed low power devices can be allowed to operate on TV channels in areas where those frequencies are not being used for TV or other incumbent licensed services. The Commission declined to permit operation on TV channel 37 that is used by radio astronomy and wireless medical telemetry services; and on TV channels 52-69, which have been reallocated for public safety and other mobile services. It also declined to permit the operation of personal/portable devices on TV channels 14-20, which are used by public safety service in 13 cities, leaving for further consideration the issue of whether fixed devices might be used in that band. Marketing of such devices may commence on February 18, 2009, after the digital television (DTV) transition is complete and all TV stations are in operation on their permanent DTV channels.
In the Further Notice, the Commission invited further comment on a number of issues that were raised in response to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making. It solicited additional information that is needed to determine whether personal/portable devices can operate in any of the TV channels without causing harmful interference. It also invited comment to explore whether low power devices should be permitted on TV channels 2-4, which are used by TV interface devices such as VCRs, and whether fixed low power devices can be permitted on TV channels 14-20.
The Commission made detailed technical proposals to facilitate use of a dynamic frequency selection (DFS) mechanism to ensure that TV band devices operate only on vacant TV channels. In addition, it sought further comment on implementation details for the geo-location and control signal interference avoidance approaches discussed in the Notice in this proceeding.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to developing a complete record to ensure that the final rules will protect TV broadcasting and other service against harmful interference. In particular, it invited parties to submit test results showing that TV band devices will not cause harmful interference. In addition, the Commission noted that it plans to conduct extensive testing itself to assess the potential interference from low power devices operating in the TV bands before adopting final rules.
The Commission also invited comment on the desirability of requiring licensing for devices operating in the TV bands. While the Commission noted that a majority of the commenters have expressed interest in operating low power devices in the TV bands on an unlicensed basis, it sought comments on the relative benefits of both the licensed and unlicensed approaches.
Action by the Commission October 12, 2006, by First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FCC 06-156). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell. Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate and McDowell.
Office of Engineering and Technology contact: Mr. Hugh L. Van Tuyl, (202) 418-7506, e-mail Hugh.VanTuyl@xxxxxxxx
ET Docket Nos. 04-186 and 02-380.
FCC-
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