Carriers Want 'White Space' Spectrum Licensed, Auctioned – CTIA issues filing shortly after Google submits proposal…

In: broadbandreports.com|Site Feeds|VoIP

28 Mar 2008

Microsoft, Google and Dell have formed the backbone of a six-partner coalition named the Wireless Innovation Alliance. Their goal is to use the so-called unlicensed “white space” spectrum — partially freed by the migration to digital television — to offer un-served consumers inexpensive Internet access via the airwaves (with these companies obviously providing the hardware and software). The CTIA, which represents traditional wireless carriers, says they instead would like to see that spectrum licensed and auctioned off.

“Ultimately, the TV white space is too valuable to lie fallow,” stated CTIA in a new FCC filing. “Licensing TV white-space spectrum will best facilitate the deployment of wireless broadband and other advances services, while protecting incumbent from harmful interference. The commission should auction the majority of this spectrum for prompt licensed use.”

Given the large carriers’ abilitiy to dominate at auction, the desire for a new auction isn’t all too surprising. FCC boss Kevin Martin recently told Congress that freeing up white spaces on an unlicensed basis would be far less complicated than licensing the idle frequencies. The FCC is currently finishing up a second round of testing of prototype white space devices submitted by the WIA.
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