I’ve just returned from a MEA break in Preston Minnesota. We went to see the Niagara Caves. We found a hotel nearby with broadband and a pool. For better or worse, I ended up using the pool more than the broadband. So, I’m a little behind.
White space use is a rising issue. I’ve been following it a bit. It seemed as if the tests didn’t go well, then they did. Apparently they went well enough that the FCC released a report on Wednesday and is expected to endorse use of white space with a vote on November 4, 2008.
The white space will be used for high-speed Internet access nationwide devices. So that’s kind of cool for anyone with an iPhone – but it’s also a great motivator for anyone looking to create the next iPhone. That is why companies such as Google, Microsoft, HP, Motorola, and Dell have lobbied hard for this.
Most of the articles I read (I’ll paste the citations below) were pretty happy about this move, but then I read broadband-focused resources. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is not so happy with this move. They are afraid that the activity in the white spaces will impact their broadcasting. Last Friday they filed an emergency request for public comment on the issue. The NAB is also claiming that the FCC is misinterpreting their own research.
NetworkWorld: FCC chairman gives support for use of ‘white spaces’
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/101507-fcc-white-spaces.html
Washington Post: FCC Chair Wants to Go Forward With Use of White Spaces
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2008/10/fcc_chair_wants_to_go_forward.html
FreePress: Big Win Ahead for White Spaces
http://www.freepress.net/node/45058
GigaOM: FCC Gives Whites Spaces a Boost
http://gigaom.com/2008/10/15/fcc-gives-whites-spaces-a-boost/
Commerce Times: Broadcasters Air White Space Grievances
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/Broadcasters-Air-White-Space-Grievances-64860.html
The Industry Standard: FCC white spaces report misses the mark, groups say
http://www.thestandard.com/news/2008/10/17/fcc-white-spaces-report-misses-mark-groups-say
[...] starting to feel that way about the white spaces issue at the FCC. (I want to thank Christopher Mitchell for calling me today to remind me about it.) There is a [...]
By: What’s up with the white spaces? We need to know by Nov 4 « Blandin on Broadband on October 29, 2008
at 7:49 pm