The Federal Communications Commission today approved the use of new unlicensed wireless devices in the spectrum to provide broadband connectivity. The decision comes as no surprise since field tests last month showed test devices offered little interference, refuting what some opponents had alleged.
The issue over the use of white spaces by new devices pitted companies such as Google, Motorola and Dell against wireless audio equipment manufacturers and celebrities such as Dolly Parton and pastor Joel Osteen. Broadcasters and live stage performers feared that opening up white spaces to new unlicensed devices would interfere with the ability to use wireless microphones without any interruptions.
Tech companies are cheering FCC's decision."In many areas in the United States television channels lie fallow because broadcasters only occupy a certain number of channels in every television market," said Motorola in a statement. “By allowing the use of white spaces the FCC is advancing access to broadband services, especially in rural areas where broadband is more limited."
The FCC's approval will allow for both fixed and portable unlicensed devices. The devices must include a geolocation capability and should be able to access over the Internet a database of the current services such as “full power and low power TV stations and cable system headends."
It should also have spectrum-sensing technology, says the FCC. The database will tell the white space device what spectrum can be used at that location.
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