FCC Tests White Space Database

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Public Notice announcing that the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) will commence a 45-day public trial of Spectrum Bridge Inc.’s TV band database system, beginning September 19, 2011.

Unused spectrum between TV stations—called white spaces—represents a valuable opportunity for our changing wireless mobile landscape. This block of spectrum is powerful platform for innovation and experimental use, holding rich potential for research and commercial purposes. The result of white spaces innovation has already led to a wave of new consumer technologies, including wi-fi and other innovations like baby monitors and cordless phones that have generated billions in economic growth.

Commission rules require that unlicensed TV band devices contact an authorized database system to obtain a list of channels that are available for their operation (i.e., channels not occupied by authorized radio services) at their individual locations and must operate only on those channels.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)