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White Space devices pass key technical test
White space devices -- which take advantage of used portions of the television spectrum -- have passed the "burden of proof" stage, the FCC says. They work, and they don't interfere with TV or wireless mics. If we actually get wireless net on white space spectrum, it will have huge, transformative effects on technology, innovation, business opportunities, emergency communication, entertainment and more.
The FCC just released Phase II of its technical report on white spaces devices and the verdict is in: Thumbs up.
Here's the overall finding from the executive summary:
At this juncture, we believe that the burden of “proof of concept” has been met. We are satisfied that spectrum sensing in combination with geo-location and database access techniques can be used to authorize equipment today under appropriate technical standards and that issues regarding future development and approval of any additional devices, including devices relying on sensing alone, can be addressed.
This is great news. The possibility of nationwide wireless Internet access is becoming a reality. That will have huge, transformative effects on technology, innovation, business opportunities, emergency communication, entertainment and more.
As established thus far by the Commission, white space devices (WSDs) that operate from a fixed location will be allowed into the TV spectrum simultaneous with the completion of the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting on February 17, 2009. This action will open for use a significant amount of spectrum with very desirable propagation characteristics that has heretofore lain fallow. It will also allow the development of new and innovative types of unlicensed devices that provide broadband data and other services for businesses and consumers without disrupting the incumbent television and other authorized services that operate in the TV bands.
The FCC is also considering personal and portable white space devices.
Check the summary and the full report for details on the devices spectrum sensing of TV signals and wireless mic signals. Basically, yes, they can sense signals properly, with some degradation in real-world conditions.