FCC respond to ESPN/NFL concerns of TV white space devices
Over the next four weeks, the Federal Communications Commission will be conducting twelve field tests of the TV white space devices in an assortment of environments. These devices are hardware that takes advantage of the unused TV channel frequencies in the area. Responding to concerns expressed by ESPN/NFL and other broadcast organizations, the FCC is going to see if these devices will interfere with other broadband devices.
These tests will be spread out around Maryland and the DC area. According to Ars Technica, they’ll begin in the Patapsco valley State Park and the Thomas A Dixo, Jr Aircraft Observation Area in the BWI airport. The following week, they’ll conduct tests in residential areas at Ellicot City and College Park.
The third week, they’ll test them in some rural and semi-rural areas at the FCC HQ. Finally, they’ll conclude the tests by checking for problems with wireless microphones.
ESPN/NFL is offering the agency’s testing grounds in nearby sports stadiums for their wireless microphone tests, specifically at Baltimore M&T Bank Stadium and the Federal Express Field in Landover. However, it’s unclear if the FCC will actually use these venues or not.
Plus, at least two of these places in their schedule were recommended to the FCC by the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV), an opponent of unlicensed broadband devices. However, the group seems to be more interested in restricting the hardware’s capabilities, rather than simply banning it.
These tests seemed to have been brought about by concerns expressed by various broadcast organizations and companies. ESPN/NFL was worried that these devices could affect their wireless microphones and severely effect their sports coverage.
Plus, according to Ars Technica, on July 3rd, three MSTV execs, one National Assocation of Broadcasters lawyer, and a CBS representative, met with Michael Copps, FCC Commissioner, to discuss the white space band.
The FCC must also focus on protections against adjacent channel interference, requirements to assure an adequate database to support geolocation methodologies, robust certification procedures, and powerful and effective policing mechanisms.
The tests will be open to the public and the results of experiment will be posted the FCC website.
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