FCC Tests Telcordia's Television White Space Database

Telcordia announced the its Television White Space Database solution will be tested by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) in a 45 day public trial beginning this week. The Telcordia White Space Database allows provides a list of available channels that TV Bands White Space devices can use based on their location.

Telcordia said its White Space Database will also be able to register other FCC-protected sites, such as MVPD receive sites, broadcast auxiliary temporary receive sites, or wireless microphones. http://www.telcordia.com

• In September 2011, the FCC conducted a public test of Spectrum Bridge’s TV band database system.
• In September 2010, The FCC issued an order that opens up vacant airwaves between TV channels for new unlicensed applications such as “super Wi-Fi.” Specifically, a Second Memorandum Opinion and Order (Second MO&O) resolves numerous legal and technical issues regarding unlicensed spectrum usage. Notably, the Order eliminates the requirement that TV bands devices that incorporate geo-location and database access must also include sensing technology to detect the signals of TV stations and low-power auxiliary service stations (wireless microphones). It also requires wireless microphone users who seek to register in the TV bands databases to certify that they will use all available channels from 7 through 51 prior to requesting registration. Requests to register in the database will be public, thus allowing interested parties to weigh in on any given request.
• In June 2011, Ericsson agreed to acquire Telcordia for US$1.15 billion in cash.