The FCC is expected to vote at its May 13 meeting on a rulemaking that would examine how to clear the way for the enhanced use of “white spaces” or unused parts of TV broadcast bands, sources said. The rulemaking has started to circulate and a decision must be made Thurs. on whether it will be on the sunshine agenda. The FCC in 2002 launched an inquiry into making spectrum available for unlicensed devices, including making use of white spaces of TV broadcast bands and 3650-3700 MHz. The FCC Office of Engineering & Technology (OET) has signaled such a rulemaking was on the way. OET Chief Edmond Thomas told a New America Foundation conference April 16 the bureau was working on a proposal designed to win support among broadcasters reluctant to give up unused TV spectrum for unlicensed use. It was unclear what the FCC may offer broadcasters. “We hear there’s a good possibility it may go, but that could still change,” one industry source said. “Thomas has been talking about this for a while, which is always a sign.”
Howard Buskirk
Howard Buskirk, Executive Senior Editor, joined Warren Communications News in 2004, after covering Capitol Hill for Telecommunications Reports. He has covered Washington since 1993 and was formerly executive editor at Energy Business Watch, editor at Gas Daily and managing editor at Natural Gas Week. Previous to that, he was a staff reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Greenville News. Follow Buskirk on Twitter: @hbuskirk
Wireless carriers reported they are making continued progress in rolling out Phase II of Enhanced 911 services, though some carriers warn that problems remain with many PSAPs still struggling to adopt the enhanced technologies.