Broadcasters Challenge FCC's Support of White Space Use

The National Association of Broadcasters is speaking out against FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's support of wireless services using the broadcast spectrum white spaces.

Martin gave a press conference earlier this week, saying he would support the use of white spaces as long as it didn't interfere with other broadcasts. Martin also said he hoped to have the rest of the FCC vote on the issue at the FCC's Nov. 4 meeting.

The broadcast spectrum white spaces will be freed up next year when television broadcasting makes a mandatory switch to digital frequencies.

However, the NAB is questioning findings from a report the FCC issued Wednesday on the feasibility of using white spaces.

"It would appear that the FCC is misinterpreting the actual data collected by their own engineers," said NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton in a 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."

"With the transition to digital television looming and tens of millions of TV viewers at risk, the stakes are too high for this proposal to be rammed through without thoughtful deliberation," said Wharton in a statement.