Where Are the White Space Devices?


The FCC adopted service rules for "white space" devices this year. The rules dropped the requirement that white space devices sense whether there is signal on a TV channel before they start transmitting, but the devices are required to access a database listing available channels for the type of device before going into transmit mode.

There are some experimental white space systems in place, but I haven't seen a rush to bring commercial and consumer white space devices to market. While the FCC has yet to certify database administrators I suspect another reason we haven't seen much interest in white space devices on unused TV channels is that there aren't that many unused channels where most people live.

I'm sure companies like Microsoft and Google are watching the FCC's plans to reallocate TV spectrum to wireless broadband companies. Broadcast spectrum is already tight in densely populated areas and if the FCC takes away broadcast channels in the top markets the few channels that are currently open will disappear. White space technology could be the answer to lack of broadband access in rural areas, if companies are willing to make the investment. Vacant VHF channels should work well for long-haul fixed links while UHF channels will work well for "last mile" connectivity to remote homes and farms.

If companies announce plans to roll out white space devices and services in 2011, perhaps the FCC will reconsider its plans to eliminate up to 20 of the existing TV channels across the nation.

Doug Lung

Doug Lung is one of America's foremost authorities on broadcast RF technology. As vice president of Broadcast Technology for NBCUniversal Local, H. Douglas Lung leads NBC and Telemundo-owned stations’ RF and transmission affairs, including microwave, radars, satellite uplinks, and FCC technical filings. Beginning his career in 1976 at KSCI in Los Angeles, Lung has nearly 50 years of experience in broadcast television engineering. Beginning in 1985, he led the engineering department for what was to become the Telemundo network and station group, assisting in the design, construction and installation of the company’s broadcast and cable facilities. Other projects include work on the launch of Hawaii’s first UHF TV station, the rollout and testing of the ATSC mobile-handheld standard, and software development related to the incentive auction TV spectrum repack.
A longtime columnist for TV Technology, Doug is also a regular contributor to IEEE Broadcast Technology. He is the recipient of the 2023 NAB Television Engineering Award. He also received a Tech Leadership Award from TV Tech publisher Future plc in 2021 and is a member of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.