FCC begins second test of 'white space' devices

The FCC is attempting a second round of testing for so-called "white space" Internet devices, writes the Associated Press. The evaluation is set to begin on on January 24th, and will last three months, involving tests in both lab conditions and the real world. Results may be available by the end of June. The new technologies were developed by Adaptrum, Microsoft, Motorola and Philips; by contrast, the first round of testing examined the work of a coalition including Microsoft, Philips, Dell, HP, Google, Intel and EarthLink.

That testing failed, with devices proving unable to detect existing broadcasts, thereby creating interference by picking the wrong frequency. White space devices have the potential of wireless data delivery to both urban and rural areas, at speeds between 50 and 100Mbps -- the difficulty is that they will use frequencies once held by TV broadcasters, which vary from place to place. Both broadcasters and wireless microphone makers worry that if white space is not exploited properly, it could easily disrupt their businesses.

Filed under: industry, gadgets
Other story tags: FCC, white space