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WISPA and Part-15.Org Concur on use of Whitespace Spectrum
Washington, DC (March 1, 2007) One of the key issues concerning commercial wireless broadband providers is how the FCC will control the unused television channels’ “white space” to unlicensed use for broadband and wireless innovation (FCC Docket 04-186).
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, as well as Part-15.Org, both leading representatives of the industry, have joined forces in agreement to refute claims made by the television broadcast industry that unlicensed devices operating in unused TV channels would interfere with TV reception and other licensed uses of the TV band; and second, whether the TV white space spectrum should be exclusively licensed instead of unlicensed.
Both industry representatives told the Federal Communication Commission that opening this spectrum to unlicensed use will help provide more affordable and ubiquitous broadband coverage, particularly in rural areas. It will also pave the way for improved home and enterprise networking, wireless device and service innovation
Both Part-15.Org and WISPA explain in their comments to the FCC that licensing is both impractical and inadvisable in this band and argue that the interference-avoidance mechanisms proposed in the FCC’s original 2004 rulemaking are sufficient—along with specific technical parameters to be developed by the FCC—to protect licensed TV band users.
Marlon K. Schafer, FCC Committee chairperson for WISPA, said that he is pleased both groups are working together on this important issue. “An unlicensed environment will encourage entrepreneurship, and this is especially important in rural areas where major providers are not willing to expend the needed capital for a relatively few subscribers.”
He also said the organizations “want to make sure that incumbent, licensed users of the spectrum are not harmed by unlicensed use. We want to be good stewards of the environment.”
Schafer said that a May, 2006 Pew Report showed more than eight million wireless broadband subscribers were in place, with that number increasing daily. “We believe at least twice that are waiting for service because we have technological and physical band limitations that this spectrum could help alleviate.”
“There are vast areas of the nation where VHF and UHF analog television signals are not received and by reusing this essentially vacant spectrum, we can help bring high-speed broadband connectivity to these waiting homes, businesses, schools and governments on a cost-effective basis,” he said.
Michael R. Anderson, chairman of the License Exempt Wireless Internet Service Providers Organization, Part-15.ORG, said that continuing to “do business as usual” regarding spectrum utilization is not in the best interest of rural Americans.
He said the FCC’s recent approach to open additional spectrum to license exempt broadband providers exemplifies their docket to remove common barriers that have stifled the growth of broadband for over a decade.
“ PART-15.ORG applauds the FCC for their bold initiatives in moving forward with opening up the ‘white space’ for full utilization for broadband, Anderson said.
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For more information please contact:
Marlon K. Schafer
FCC Committee Chairman
Founding Board Member
(509) 982-2181
(509) 988-0260 cell
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