USA
Bloomberg.com
Bloomberg.com (15th March 2010)
Mobile-phone companies may be the biggest winners
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Mobile-phone companies may be the biggest winners from a U.S. plan for more high-speed Internet service..
..More spectrum from the FCC can only be good” for wireless carriers.. a Washington-based analyst with Concept Capital’s Washington Research Group, said in an interview. “It’s hard to tell which mobile phone companies will benefit most, since it’s hard to predict the outcome of auctions that will be used to allocate newly available airwaves...
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Broadcasting & Cable
Broadcasting & Cable, 18th June 2010
FCC Moves to Free Up Mobile Sat Spectrum for Terrestrial Broadband
An FCC task force recommended Friday taking 90 MHz from mobile-satellite frequencies to help fulfill its goal of freeing up 500 MHz of wireless spectrum by 2020. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are preparing for a closed-door meeting Friday with officials from telecoms, content companies and other technology firms to debate broadband-regulatory issues, according to a published report. Broadcasting & Cable (6/18) , The Hill/Hillicon Valley blog (6/19) , The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires
After shifting PMSE from UHF to satellite spectrum, broadband mobile communication will also ask for this satellite spectrum….
So the only chance exclusive PMSE Spectrum?
See also the FCC public notice DA 10-1035 and the FCC document 10-82.
Broadcast Engineering
Broadcast Engineering magazine, 8th October 2010
FCC white spaces ruling ensures protection for wireless mic users
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On Sept. 23, the FCC issued its Second Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) detailing its intended usage of the vacated TV spectrum among various user types. The order defines the rules of engagement for unlicensed TV band devices (TVBDs), creates specific protections for wireless microphones and further defines the access and usage of the pending national frequency spectrum database.
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 1st October 2010
FCC TV band device Second MO&O reserves two channels nationwide for wireless mic
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The FCC has reserved nationwide two TV channels in the range of Channels 14 through 51 for use by wireless microphone users, including itinerant users such as electronic newsgathering crews, as part of its Second Memorandum Opinion and Order authorizing new entrants into the TV band..
..According to the commission, the Second MO&O will “ensure that frequencies are available everywhere for licensed wireless microphones used on a roving basis to operate without risk of receiving harmful interference from TVBDs.”
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 17th September 2010
FCC set to approve use of unlicensed TV white spaces for broadband networks
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Handing broadcasters a significant loss, the FCC is set to approve new rules this week for the free use of unlicensed TV white spaces for public broadband use. The action is expected to the open the door to high-power Wi-Fi networks that can cover entire cities or towns rather than small hot spots.
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Get more here
Read also
1) The New Yourk Times:
F.C.C. Opens Unused TV Airwaves to Broadband
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The order also contains provisions that seek to guarantee that wireless microphones have adequate space to operate without interference.
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2) EETimes
Wi-Fi, TV backers clash over white spaces ruling
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The National Association of Broadcasters issued a cautionary statement saying it will review the details of the FCC's decision. "NAB's overriding goal in this proceeding has been to ensure America's continued interference-free access to high quality news, entertainment and sports provided by free and local television stations,"..
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3) FCC - News Release
Nationwide 2 TV Ch for PMSE DOC-301650A1
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 8th April 2010
Wireless mic leaders react calmly to FCC broadband plan
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While the broadcast industry has indicated its collective dismay at some of the details contained within the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, two of the biggest players in the wireless microphone industry, Shure and Sennheiser, both urge audio professionals to remain calm. Christopher Lyons, Shure’s manager of technical and educational communications, and Joe Ciaudelli, Sennheiser’s director of market development and education, addressed the issue in separate recent communications.
While acknowledging that the proposed reallocation of 120MHz of spectrum space away from broadcast is a cause for concern, both wireless manufacturers pointed out that the plan is, at this point, more of an exploration of ideas and a call for studies on spectrum usage than a concrete proposal. As Ciaudelli said, “the report repeatedly calls for deeper, comprehensive studies on spectrum use. We encourage this, especially since the report focuses on the use of spectrum for distribution of content.”
“Certainly, reclaiming a big chunk of the TV band is worrisome for broadcasters, but this plan is really just a statement of goals and direction,” said Lyons of Shure. “And the timeline in the document — to have everything done by 2015 — seems awfully aggressive to us. Just look at how long it took to get DTV rolled out.”
The two wireless giants agree that the broadband plan’s language does not seem to represent a setback for the operators of wireless microphones. In essence, what the plan does is legitimize broadband penetration as a priority, which means that it will take on increased priority in the future spectrum ecosystem. However, the plan seems to go to great lengths to emphasize that existing users will not be disenfranchised.
A major part of the plan is the call for a full national spectrum inventory as a precursor to any reallocation. Considering that the national wireless database in the broadcast band (basically, below 698MHz) called for in the FCC’s Second Report and Order on the white spaces issue remains unresolved, it may be a bit far-fetched to believe that a full spectrum inventory can be accomplished in the two-year span suggested in the broadband plan.
Once that still-to-be-defined study occurs, the serious discussions will begin. Sennheiser’s Joe Ciaudelli said that the broadband plan focuses squarely on both TV broadcast and wireless microphones in a positive way. “Our view is that any credible study will reveal the high use of spectrum for content creation. The report specifically states, ‘changes to the TB broadcast spectrum on consumers, the public interest, and the various services that share this spectrum, including…wireless microphones.’”
Because the broadband report emphasizes the primacy of content creation and distribution, it seems clear that wireless microphones, like those used in broadcasting, will have some degree of protection once the plan is finalized. Another recent FCC document promotes a return to licensing of wireless mics for certain still-undetermined classes of users. It is assumed that license holders will enjoy protection from unlicensed users through the national white spaces database.
The bottom line is that any further spectrum changes will be a minimum of five years in the future and, given the historic pace of change in these areas, probably longer. In the meantime, the coast is (relatively) clear for wireless microphone and ear monitoring systems, making this the optimal time to upgrade in those areas.
As Chris Lyons of Shure said, “We’ve now gone through this with the DTV transition, and then with the 700 MHz rebanding. We’re now in a time window where professional wireless systems are legal and well defined, and all the manufacturers have product solutions in place. Our goal now is to remind people to replace their old 700MHz systems by June 12, and then continue our support and advocacy for the industry as the FCC explores the broadband issue.”
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Get more here
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 26th February 2010
FCC considers revised wireless microphone licensing scheme
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In the wake of its Second Report and Order on white spaces, the FCC is now considering expanding its licensing rules for wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, production intercom systems and similar equipment that operates in the TV broadcast (VHF and UHF) band. The FCC has invited comments from all wireless users on this topic..
..the FCC extended the deadline for comments. The comment period has been extended through March 1.
..The FCC is seeking comments from wireless users that will assist them in determining who should be eligible for a wireless microphone license.
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Get more here
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 21st January 2010
FCC orders frequency changes for wireless microphones
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Sports production companies must change the radio frequency they use for their wireless microphones under an order issued last week by the FCC. The groups have until June 12 to find alternative radio frequencies — a task that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for each organization.
The FCC’s ruling is part of a national shift on the reallocation of bandwidth, which some say will soon be in short supply due to the increasing use of mobile telephones and wireless computers. The commission said the wireless microphone transition is necessary to make spectrum in the 700MHz band available for use by next-generation wireless services for consumers and public safety agencies.
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 21st January 2010
FCC order clears 700MHz frequency for public safety, next-generation wireless devices
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The FCC last week adopted an Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking prohibiting the further distribution and sale of devices operating in the 700MHz frequency, such as wireless mics.
The move clears the 700 MHz band to enable the rollout of public safety communications services and the deployment of next generation 4G wireless consumers."
Get more here
Note:
Get the FCC document "Revisions to Rules Authorizing the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz Band" here
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 5th November 2009
Report proposes clearing spectrum of broadcast television service
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A report submitted to the FCC Oct. 23 proposes television broadcasters give up all - or alternately, a portion - of their spectrum to make way for anticipated growing demand for wireless broadband connectivity.
The report.. estimates consumer benefits from repurposing the broadcast spectrum to support ubiquitous wireless broadband availability at more than $1 trillion.
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Broadcast Engineering magazine, 3rd November 2009
Broadcast associations advise FCC on national broadband plan
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As the FCC considers how best to allocate spectrum while developing a national broadband plan, it should assign a premium to public policy goals being served by current spectrum use, the NAB and Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) told the agency in comments filed last week.
The comments, filed Oct. 23 in response to a commission inquiry into spectrum for broadband, offer the advice in answering a specific question posed by the commission in seeking comments: What are the key issues in moving spectrum allocations toward their highest and best use in the public interest?
The added public policy consideration given existing spectrum while assessing its “efficiency and productivity” should take into account more than financial benefits, the associations said. For instance, as relates to broadcast TV, “core public interest goals,” like providing local news, emergency information, universal service and educational programs, must be taken into account. According to the filing, “to ignore the public policy goals underlying the TV broadcast service would lead to spectrum management decisions that disserve the public interest.”
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EDN
EDN, 28th October 2010
White Spaces: Austere And Somewhat Unclear Microphone Embraces
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A primary concern for the pro audio community.. has been that such devices would create interference with critical equipment, such as wireless microphones. After considerable lobbying from the pro audio community, NAB, end users, broadcasters and others, the FCC would appear to have taken those concerns to heart with the new rules. As part of the Order, two channels will be set aside nationwide for wireless mic use-a move that the FCC expects will allow between 12 to 16 mics in a given area to operate simultaneously without interference from devices that will use the newly released spectrum. If a production requires more spectrum for an event such as a sports game or concert, it can petition for a temporary expansion of allocated frequencies during performance times by electronically filing a request with the FCC at least 30 days in advance. A condition of the additional spectrum being granted will be that users will have to prove that the additional channels have been exhausted, but critically, a wireless mic user does not have to be a licensed operator to register with the database.
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EDN, 27th September 2010
Whitespace, still a bad idea
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Paul Rako:
The Economist magazine has an article on the ruling by the FCC to allow white-space devices to use TV channels to send data. Please read my latest article about TV tuners and especially look at the figure in the sidebar. That figure explains how digital and software engineers with absolutely no conception whatsoever of how RF and radio in general work, have conned the US government into allowing a slew of unlicensed intentional interferes to occupy our TV spectrum.
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Get part 1 here
Get part 2 here
EETimes
2009-02-18
Economic realities to impact LTE roll-out
..Some of Europe's leading operators, including Vodafone, France Telecom (Orange) and T-Mobile, all seemed reticent about committing to the huge infrastructure capex that will be needed in rolling out LTE, all suggesting it will be at least two to three years before they do, in part because of the slowdown in the economy and also because of the need to reassure investors.
Get more here
eWeek.com
2009-10-10
Spectrum Issues Loom over Wireless Broadband
2008-09-03
FCC Wants Wireless Mics Out of 700 MHz
2008-09-04
For Shure: FCC Wireless Mic Inquiry No Surprise
2008-10-15
FCC Sets Nov. 4 Vote on White Spaces
2008-11-04
FCC Approves Use of White Spaces
gadget lab
November 05th 2008
FCC White Spaces Decision Kicks Off the Next Wireless Revolution
Interference Technology Web Magazine
Article from Interference Technology Web Magazine – 8/15/08
Redskins Win, Wireless Prototypes Did Not Fare as Well
Multichannel News
Multichannel News: (8th March 2010)
FCC To Start Tackling Broadcast Spectrum Issues This Year
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The Federal Communications Commission will release its broadband implementation schedule starting April 8, includng a start date for its spectrum reclamation plans..
..The commission has said that there will be essentially monthly proposed rulemakins and inquiries over the next 12-16 months..
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Get more here
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Multichannel News: (15th March 2010)
FCC Broadband Plan: Reactions Pour In
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Comments from Washington came pouring over the electronic transom Monday as details of the FCC's national broadband plan were revealed.
Broadcasters said they would look closely at the plan, though they were pleased with the voluntary nature of any spectrum-reclamation proposal, so long as it stayed voluntary, while the main cable trade group also took a wait-and see approach, saying the report contributed to a dialog that needed to continue.
The plan appeared to be going over well with some key congressmen..
.."The commission has done a superb job in meeting the challenge set forth by the Congress one year ago that a national plan to achieve universal broadband access be developed,"..
..The National Association of Broadcasters, which has balked at mandatory spectrum reclamation and suggested broadcasters will need their spectrum for HD and services like mobile DTV, said it would vet the plan and hoped Congress would do the same.
"We were pleased by initial indications from FCC members that any spectrum reallocation would be voluntary, and were therefore prepared to move forward in a constructive fashion on that basis"..
..The wireless industry, which has been pushing the FCC to find as much spectrum as possible for all those broadband apps, sounded happy.
"The Wireless Association and our member companies are extremely pleased that spectrum is recognized as being pivotal to the National Broadband Plan.. We appreciate the FCC's and the broadband team's focus on making 500 MHz of spectrum for broadband within 10 years, of which 300 MHz should be made available for mobile use within five years."
..The National Broadband plan could force television broadcasters to change channels and reduce service areas, perhaps stranding millions of viewers. And "non-volunteers" might be punished with onerous spectrum fees and other indirectly coercive measures.
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Get more here
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Multichannel News: (15th February 2010)
FCC Wants Broadcasters To Give Back 120 MHZ As Part Of Broadband Plan
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The Federal Communications Commission is proposing getting 120 MHZ back from broadcasters as part of its grand broadband plan.
That will come in the form of a rulemaking proceeding, one of numerous the FCC will roll out out monthly for the foreseeable future. according to FCC officials who spoke on background.
According to a copy of the plan, there is a near-term goal of freeing up 300 MHz of spectrum for wireless broadband within five years and 500 within 10, by incentivizing broadcasters to exit the band.
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Multichannel News: (12th February 2010)
Broadband Plan: Spectrum Fees Could Be Extra Band-Clearing Incentive
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The Federal Communications Commission will propose levying spectrum fees on broadcasters and government users alike as a little incentive to clear off some of their spectrum..
One is an auction; the other is "spectrum fees.". The FCC has said it planned to pay broadcasters to voluntarily clear off their spectrum, which would be auctioned for wireless broadband.
..The plan, which is being officially released next week, calls for reclaiming 500 MHZ from broadcasting and other users within 10 years.
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Get more here
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Multichannel News, 16th November 2009
CTIA: Public's Interest Is In Getting Back Broadcast Channels
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The wireless industry agrees with broadcasters that the FCC should keep the public interest in mind when it decides "how the broadcast television spectrum should be allocated," but says that would "clearly favor reallocation of broadcast television spectrum for commercial mobile wireless broadband users."
That came in reply comments to the FCC, which is collecting input on how to get more spectrum for wireless broadband. CTIA said the FCC should not just reallocate any spectrum, but "the right" spectrum. And it made clear that includes broadcasters' spectrum.
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Get more here
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Multichannel News, 2nd March 2009
Broadcasters Sue FCC Over White Spaces Decision
Former Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin's Gone, but decisions made on his watch at the agency are ending up in court.
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PCWorld
PCWorld, 10th February 2011
Obama Goal: 98 Percent of US Covered by 4G Broadband
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President Barack Obama took a step toward his goal of promoting broadband to all Americans, saying he wants to expand high-speed 4G wireless to cover 98% of the country by 2016. Obama said federal subsidies will be needed to bring access to the nation's most underserved areas, and he called for $5 billion in government spending on the project, which he equated to building the nation's interstate highway system. Among other things, the plan calls for freeing 500 MHz of wireless spectrum over the next 10 years by encouraging broadcasters to auction off their unused spectrum.
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Get more here
Further information can be get here:
ITProPortal.com (U.K.) (2/11)
CNET/Privacy Inc. blog (2/10)
The New York Times (2/10)
See also: Freeing 500 MHz spectrum
Rethink Wireless
Rethink Wireless, 21st July 2010
T-Mobile extends HSPA+ to 50 cities
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T-Mobile USA may have no clear strategy for 4G yet but it aims to milk the HSPA technology for all it's worth to leapfrog the larger cellcos at last. The US' fourth mobile carrier says its upgraded HSPA network, which supports a faster peak speed than AT&T's at 21Mbps, now covers 85m people in 50 major metro markets. Mainly focused on data cards, the network will soon have its first handset, and an upgrade program to boost peak performance to 42Mbps next year.
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REUTERS
REUTERS: 24th February 2010
CORRECTED - UPDATE 3-U.S. eyes paying broadcasters for mobile spectrum
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The top U.S. communications regulator offered to pay television broadcasters to give up their rights to airwaves worth an estimated $50 billion as it looks to overcome a looming scarcity of wireless spectrum for advanced mobile phone services.
But analysts say the plan could run into opposition from broadcasters reluctant to give up their airwaves unless they are offered a price that might be too expensive for the government to pay.
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The Hill
The Hill, 21th July 2010
Rockefeller deals blow to FCC proposal
Key senator touts his own wireless-spectrum solution
Sen. John Rockefeller, D-W.Va., will propose legislation that will provide broadcasters with an incentive to surrender dormant digital spectrum and provide more bandwidth for emergency services via a national broadband network, he said Wednesday. Rockefeller's bill opposes the FCC's plan to fund a public-safety network by auctioning off D-block spectrum. Se also: Network World/IDG News Service
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The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal, 22nd December 2011
FCC Approves.. First White Spaces Platform
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LAKE MARY, FL, Dec 22, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Spectrum Bridge, Inc. today announces the launch of its TV White Space (TVWS) platform as the first solution approved to provide service in the United States. The company's cloud-based spectrum management platform gives wireless broadband service providers access to TVWS frequencies while protecting TV broadcasters and other incumbent operations. This approach is essential in allocating additional unlicensed spectrum for wireless applications.
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Find more here
See also:
1) White Space Devices
2) FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Announces the Approval of Spectrum Bridge, Inc.’s TV Bands Database System for Operation
Note: The doc file contains also informations regarding
'Registration of Unlicensed Wireless Microphone Venues'
3) FCC - Office of Engineering and Technology Announces the Approval of Spectrum Bridge, Inc.’s
4) FCC - Approval is hereby granted for Spectrum Bridge..
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The Wall Street Journal, 1st December 2009
FCC Seeks Revamp of Phone Subsidy
FCC Chairman Genachowski: „We will need to find ways to free up new spectrum to mobile broadband. This will require examining old allocation decisions”
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Television Broadcast (TVB)
TVB, 6th December 2010
White Space Rules Go Into Effect Jan. 5, 2011
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WASHINGTON: The rules governing the use of unlicensed devices in TV white spaces will officially go into effect Jan. 5, 2011. The rules, adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in September, have been published in the Federal Register, the final step of codification.
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Get more here
See also the special report:
Nine Vie to Manage White Space Database
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