LOWELL, MASS.:WhiteSpace Alliance filed comments endorsing license-exempt usage of the TV band white spaces. While the comments do not mention the impact of the spectrum repacking the FCC is considering at its Sept. 28 open commission meeting, its timing certainly highlights the question of how much white space spectrum will be left after the repacking.
The filing’s main purpose is to encourage the FCC to allow “cognitive radios” that would be able to sense whether or not a channel was being used and then allow use of that channel if it would not cause interference with a licensed service. Spectrum sensing was part of the original white space devices plan, but when testing showed multiple problems with this approach, the FCC and most device manufacturers turned to geolocation. In this approach, channels that would not cause interference to broadcasters or wireless microphone users are calculated based on the location and placed in a database. Devices are only allowed to use channels after verifying they will not cause interference at their location.
The comments offer little technical information. It mostly focuses on the benefits of white-space technology, simply stating “WSA supports the establishment of a regulatory framework permitting the use of license-exempt technologies and opportunistic use of licensed spectrum by cognitive license-exempt devices in the TV bands.” I didn't find any additional technical detail on the WSA website, but on the Markets website, the suggestion is made that white-space technology could benefit TV broadcasters by creating a more compelling TV experience and permitting new sustainable revenue business models.
(Thanks are extended to Martha Shiles for pointing me to this filing.)
