[BC] DTV s on low band BHF channels...

[Mark Humphrey]

I've been following some of the proposals that would allow unlicensed
broadband access devices to operate in "white spaces" in the TV bands
under the "wireless mic" precedent.  These are designed to detect the
channels which are occupied by TV stations and avoid them.  Most of
the interest is in UHF above Ch 20; there's legitimate concern that
public safety users in the "T-band" (14-20) might be subject to
interference because they transmit intermittent signals which wouldn't
be reliably detected.

Microsoft recently sent the FCC Lab a prototype device for testing, it
covers the range 521-698 MHz (Ch 21-51).  Description and photos:

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6518912455

The output of "set-top converters" will use Ch 2-4, but the fate of 5
and 6 is largely undecided.  NOW is the time to propose a transition
of daytime and limited coverage AM stations to the 76-88 range.

For more background, see:
http://weblogs.jupiterresearch.com/analysts/mansell/archives/2007/02/white_space_lic.html

To read other filed comments, enter docket 04-186 in ECFS:
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi

Mark


On 3/20/07, Robert Meuser <Robertm at broadcast.net> wrote:
> It is not good for much else.
>
> R
>
>
> Dana Puopolo wrote:
>
> >So let me get this straight....
> >
> >The FCC is going to give 30 mHz (5 channels x 6 mHz each) of prime VHF
> >spectrum across all 50 states to 21 TV stations???!!!
> >
> >What an INCREDIBLE waste of spectrum!!