Heavyweights line up behind 'white spaces' Wi-Fi

Microsoft and Google were among the companies praising a recent FCC report which concluded that the establishment of a free wireless network in the empty spaces between broadcast channels would not interfere with any other device, paving the way for the system to move forward.

In a press statement released shortly after the report was published, Microsoft corporate vice president of technology policy and strategy Anoop Gupta praised the FCC's decision.

"The FCC has now crossed an important milestone in the path to establishing final rules of the road for the use of the white spaces," said Gupta.

"Clearly the FCC’s internal work and its test process has provided enough information, guidance and technical input to move the process forward in allowing unlicensed use of the white spaces."

Google media council Richard Whitt had similar praises for the FCC in a recent posting to the company's public policy blog.

"This news should be greatly encouraging for American consumers," wrote Whitt.

"The FCC now has more than enough information to develop appropriate rules that protect TV stations and wireless microphone users from harmful interference, while at the same time allowing innovators and entrepreneurs to develop technology that productively uses these airwaves."

Not everyone was thrilled with the FCC's conclusion, however. Worried about the effects the spectrum may have on TV broadcasts, the National Association of Broadcasters is urging the commission to take another look at the report before moving forward with the plan to establish the new system.

"It would appear that the FCC is misinterpreting the actual data collected by their own engineers," executive vice President Dennis Wharton said in a written statement.

"Any reasonable analysis of the OET report would conclude that unlicensed devices that rely solely on spectrum sensing threaten the viability of clear television reception."

"Basing public policy on an imprecise Cliffs Notes version of a 149-page report raises troubling questions."

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