/ 11.25.2009 12:00AM
FCC Issues Call for White-Space Database Manager
WASHINGTON: The FCC today issued a call for proposals to
manage the white-space database. The purpose of the database is to prevent
interference between unlicensed devices and incumbent TV facilities. The
unlicensed devices that will soon operate in taboo TV channels are required to
check a database of where TV stations, BAS operations and other broadcast entities
are using spectrum.
“The database will tell a TV band device which TV channels are vacant and can
be used at its location,” the FCC’s call
for proposals states. “The database also will be used to register the
locations of fixed TV band devices and protected locations and channels of
incumbent services that are not recorded in commission databases.”
The commission determined in its white-space proceeding to “designate one or
more database administrators from the private sector to create and operate TV
band database(s), which will be a privately owned and operated service. Database
administrators may charge fees to register fixed TV band devices and temporary
broadcast auxiliary fixed links and to provide lists of available channels to
TV band devices.
“Proposals must address how the basic components of a TV band database as
required by the commission’s rules will be satisfied--i.e., a data repository, a data registration process, and a query
process--and whether the proponent seeks to provide all or only some of these
functions and affirm that the database service will comply with all of the
applicable rules.”
Proposals are due Jan. 4, 2010; comments are due Feb. 3, 2010 and replies, Feb.
18, 2010.