FCC To Begin Second Phase of TV "White Space" Spectrum Device Testing

January 18, 2008

The Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) said today that beginning next Thursday, January 24, 2008, it plans to start a second phase of laboratory bench performance testing on prototype television white space devices.

Lab testing is expected to take four to six weeks. This will be followed by field tests of similar duration.

The FCC says the testing will be part of a procedure to consider authorizing the operation of new, low power devices in the television (TV) broadcast spectrum at locations where channels are not being used for authorized services. This spectrum is often referred to as the “TV white spaces.”

"OET is conducting a test program on TV white space prototype devices to provide additional information for the record, which will be considered in assessing the interference potential of such devices and establishing appropriate requirements," the FCC said. "Initial tests (Phase I) of early prototypes were completed in July 2007. On October 5, 2007, OET issued a public notice inviting submittal of additional prototype devices for further tests (Phase II). The Public Notice stated that further details on the testing would be released at a later time."

And now, I guess, is that "later time."

Several prototype devices were recently submitted for Phase II testing, including four devices submitted by Adaptrum, Microsoft, Motorola and Philips, respectively.

More details on the testing can be found here.