Late yesterday the FCC released two technical reports bearing on its proposal to allow operation of wireless devices in locally vacant TV spectrum.

The FCC tested two prototype devices for their ability to sense and avoid occupied TV channels and wireless microphone signals. The tentative conclusion, subject to qualifications:

"[T]he sample prototype White Space Devices submitted to the Commission for initial evaluation do not consistently sense or detect TV broadcast or wireless microphone signals. Our tests also found that the transmitter in the prototype device is capable of causing interference to TV broadcasting and wireless microphones."

The complete report is available here.

The FCC also tested the susceptibility of digital TV receivers to interference from wireless devices while the receivers are connected to a cable system. The study found interference from a 6.3 dBm EIRP source at 2 meters, and a 15.3 dBm EIRP source at 10 meters.

The complete report is available here.