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June 01, 2004
The FCC takes a step forward
On May 13, the FCC adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking to allow unlicensed wireless devices to operate in the broadcast television bands. Much of the spectrum allocated to broadcasting is simply empty. The allocations were based on 1950's TV technology, and included significant amount of "white space" that was deliberately left dark to ensure transmissions could be received on other channels. Today's technology can unlock that un-used capacity.
The FCC action is a big step forward. The FCC's proposal could open up significant new wireless capacity for broadband data services throughout the US. It could also benefit broadcasters, who would gain new capacity themselves for interactive services. Unfortunately, the incumbent broadcasters see any change as threatening, and they have opposed the FCC proposal every step of the way.
Comments will be due around the end of the summer. Anyone can file comments with the FCC -- you don't need to be a lawyer or a representative of a communications company. Just go to the FCC Electronic Comment Filing Sysem page. The proceeding number is 04-186.
Posted by Kevin Werbach at June 1, 2004 02:23 PM
Today's House hearing on the DTV transition made it clear that the role of translators in the DTV transition was still up in the air and could hog a lot of the apparently unused capacity between channels 2-51. Basically, there may be two analog to digital transitions. First, the one going on right now for the high power TV stations. Second, a transition for translators. Currently, translators are broadcasting in analog. There is a separate FCC proceeding on LPTV and translators. The outcome of that proceeding could be very important for the channels 2-51 unlicensed proceeding. Any thoughts on managing the translator/LPTV transition to make room for more unlicensed sharing would be welcome.
Posted by: Jim Snider at June 2, 2004 06:40 PM