At the outset, white space operations will be limited to Wilmington, NC, the same city chosen by the FCC for an early cut-over from analog to digital TV. Does someone live there whom the FCC doesn't like?… Continue Reading
A second white space database administrator has given the word that it is ready for testing . . . or at least it will be, as of December 7.… Continue Reading
Each of ten separate "white space" databases will automatically extract information on protected services from the FCC's licensing databases, and will share information entered manually.… Continue Reading
We have no doubt Microsoft's qualifications equal or exceed some of the other nine companies'. Not obvious, though, is why Microsoft's qualifications are so overwhelming as to justify re-opening the application process after more than a year.… Continue Reading
If you're a TV licensee providing over-the-air feeds to one or more distant translator/LPTV/Class A stations, cable head-ends or satellite local receive sites, heads up. You need to act soon if you want those sites to be protected from unlicensed "white spaces" devices.… Continue Reading
To say, "You're all winners!" is fine for T-ball, but we may come to wish the FCC had exercised greater adult authority in choosing its database administrators.… Continue Reading
The FCC's planned agenda for its November 30 meeting serves up items likely to cause such a huge stir that we all might need a little advance warning.… Continue Reading
Poring over the fine print of the FCC's "white spaces" decision we wrote about last week, we have found two issues that merit the attention of TV broadcasters.… Continue Reading
In some other universe, the agency might insist the promised technology function properly before it allows deployment. This universe, though, works differently: the FCC simply dropped the requirement.… Continue Reading
A White Space decision may be imminent . . . but the FCC faces 17 petitions for reconsideration, a court appeal, and unresolved issues of its own. Just among ourselves, we think the controversy might continue beyond the next round of rulemaking.… Continue Reading
The FCC has invited proposals from entities seeking to be designated TV band database managers. This is in part a creative design competition. Sharpen your crayons.… Continue Reading
The FCC has voted to allow unlicensed devices to use "white spaces" in the TV band for wireless broadband. This is a preliminary report based on listening to the discussion at the FCC meeting and review of the public notice issued by the Commission following its meeting. The actual report and order may reflect edits made after the meeting.… Continue Reading