What's the deal with White Space anyway?

White space is the open spectrum between digital TV channels after the U.S. goes from analog to digital television in February 2009. The White Space Coalition consists of Microsoft, Google, Dell, Phillips, amongst others who want to use this spectrum for wireless broadband. When the transition from analog to digital takes place in February 17, 2009, much of the spectrum between 54MHz and 698MHz will be available; basically channels 2 through 51). The signals in this area are said to travel far and wide and can penetrate obstacles.

Google and Microsoft have been asking that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allow the unused spectrum to be turned over to the public for free and unlicensed to be used as wireless networks for homes, businesses, and cities. This would give Internet users a quicker mobile Internet access. However, there still exist concerns about how this unlicensed spectrum can interfere with wireless microphones that are used by music artists, sportscasters, etc. during live events. There is also a concern about certain medical equipment experiencing interference as well. Just take a look at the reception on grandma’s television.

Source: http://www.cnettv.com/9742-1_53-29164.html

The FCC has recently revised the 700 MHz band plan in order to allow the wireless broadband services to consumers as well as to create a network that could be used for public safety. As a result of migrating to digital television, the 700 MHz spectrum runs from 698-806 MHz and is currently occupied by television broadcasters will be made available for wireless devices. It is the 22 MHz upper 700 MHz C block to be auctioned that will be available to devices and applications.


References:

Bangeman, Eric (September 2007). NAB takes fight against “white space” broadband to the airwaves. Ars Tehnica. Retrieved on July 1, 2008 from
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070911-nab-takes-fight-against-white-space-broadband-to-the-airwaves.html

Kharif, Olga (May 2008). Google’s White-Space Fixation. Businessweek.com. Retrieved on July 1, 2008 from http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2008/tc20080522_623138.htm

VIEWpoint (March 2008). Segment 1 on White Space Issues. Retrieved on July 1, 2008 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JFEWzm_pXU&feature=related

VIEWpoint (March 2008). Segment 2 on White Space Issues. Retrieved on July 1, 2008 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemtpLXNyWo&feature=related

HIS (August 2007). FCC Revises 700 MHz Rules for Public Safety Communications, Wireless Broadband. Retrieved on July 2, 2008 from http://electronics.ihs.com/news/fcc-revises-700mhz.htm