Google’s not happy with FCC White Space tests

Last month I wrote about the FCC tests on broadcast white spaces – the spaces between the channels that folks (such Google) want to use for wireless broadband.

Well, on Wednesday Google co-founder Larry Page went to the FCC to say that he wasn’t happy with the FCC testing. The tests were supposed to help the FCC determine any potential conflicts with other broadband channels if you open up the white spaces.

Here’s a description of the suspect testing from the Google Policy Blog:

Those tests were intended to assess whether white space device prototypes could sense the presence of wireless microphone signals. However actions suggest that wireless microphone operators actually transmitted not on their normal channels but instead on channels occupied by TV broadcast signals. For instance during the Fed Ex Field test, wireless microphones were improperly used on the very station that carried the broadcast of the game. As a result, the white spaces devices naturally could not detect the microphone signals, as they were hidden by the much more powerful TV signals. The White Spaces Coalition, of which Google is a member, offered a filing with the FCC in late August pointing out what had happened in the test.

It seems as if some folks are OK with the testing that was done and some aren’t. No surprises on who thinks which way – but Google was at the FCC pleading the case for White Space. The FCC is expected to come out with some news regarding White Space soon.

This entry was posted in FCC, Policy by Ann Treacy. Bookmark the permalink.

About Ann Treacy

Librarian who follows rural broadband in MN and good uses of new technology (blandinonbroadband.org), hosts a radio show on MN music (mostlyminnesota.com), supports people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota (elimstrongtowershelters.org) and helps with social justice issues through Women’s March MN.

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