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Legislation Introduced to Allow Wireless Broadband Devices into TV Spectrum
TMCnet Contributing Editor
Spectrum use has been a heated topic of discussion on Capitol Hill. The latest in the debate is the introduction of legislation by Representatives Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and his co-sponsors, Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Paul Gillmor R-Ohio) and Rick Boucher (D-Va.) to allow the use of broadcast television spectrum in the band between 608 and 614 MHz by unlicensed devices, including wireless broadband devices.
It is believed by some in the industry that a proposal such as this could provide for more efficient and effective use of the television broadcast spectrum while also offering significant benefits for the public. These benefits could come in the form of increased competition in the wireless broadband industry and the provision of incentives for the development of new and innovative broadband devices and services for businesses and consumers.
The spectrum currently in use for over-the-air analog television broadcasts will not be freed up for other uses until the transition to digital signals is completed in 2009. The United States has shown poor broadband penetration and as a result, it is possible that the government will allow such technologies as WiMax unlicensed use of these “white spaces” in the spectrum.
White spaces essentially consistent of dead air; they are parts of the spectrum where no station currently transmits. White spaces tend to have the highest penetration in heavily congested areas, such as San Francisco which has six vacant channels. The legislation proposed by Inslee and his co-sponsors could be one of multiple bills that could open up the coveted spectrum within a few months instead of a few years.
Initial response by those in Congress to earlier bills has been strong on both party sides, an indication that legislative action could come sooner than later. If this latest legislation to operate unlicensed wireless devices in the stated spectrum is passed, the opportunities would span multiple industries.
As this spectrum has been off-limits, devices have yet to be manufactured that will operate on the spectrum. That is unlikely to be an issue once legislation is passed. The spectrum that is used for TV is considered superior because it is better able to pass through walls than higher frequencies, signal coverage is better, and the equipment is cheaper to build. If this legislation passes, we will likely see an explosion as everyone is anxious to jump on that opportunity.
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