The new White space devices(WSD) that are being developed by the FCC, will have to reapply for approval. Previously, these WSD’s were disapproved to sabotage the FCC’s initial attempt. These devices are being made for the analog to digital switch over in February 2009.
For the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), it’s back to the drawing board. The FCC does acknowledge that the first attempt was kind of premature. I think that FCC thought the application won’t get rejected. So they applied. However, now that the initial crappy application got rejected, FCC is admitting the fact that it was premature.
Currently there are two prototypes: prototype A and B. The FCC lab test did look at several issues and aspects concerning the prototype devices. But,it seems like the Federal Commission tests weren’t full proof. The group of firms working with FCC include Google, Dell and Earthlink.
These prototype devices do help in delivering inexpensive wireless broadband services to rural areas. The vacant and available TV frequencies are mostly used to deliver the wireless broadband service. These WSD’s would be using unregulated spectrum, and if successful they would lower the prices of the wireless services.
In the latest published report, FCC tested several devices that were from unidentified applicants. The spectrum sensing factor and potential interference are two things that these WSD’s were tested for. The result: co-channel interference occurred out to 285ft from the DTV. adjacent channel interference without the filter occurred to between 154ft and 164ft. So the future of the WSD’s aren’t looking that good.
Image Credits: Vetmarkets
