The FCC proposes allowing unlicensed broadband devices to operate in the "white space" between allocated broadcast channels 2 to 51. Given the increased performance capabilities of modern transmitters and TVs, the agency believes that low powered services can operate in the unused spectrum between stations without causing too much interference.
NAB isn't so sure interference will really be avoided and has pledged to work with the FCC "to ensure that this proposal can be accommodated while preserving interference-free over-the-air television," said association resident/CEO Eddie Fritts.
In order to ensure that no interference is caused to TV stations and their viewers, the commission has proposed requiring unlicensed devices to incorporate "smart radio" features to identify unused TV channels.
The commission proposed classifying the unlicensed broadband devices that could be used in the TV bands into two general categories: lower power "personal/portable" unlicensed devices, such as Wi-Fi like cards in laptop computers or wireless in-home local area networks and the second category of higher power "fixed/access" unlicensed devices that are generally operated from a fixed location and may be used to provide a commercial service such as wireless broadband internet access.