FCC approves 'white space' for broadband

— -- The Federal Communications Commission, as expected, approved a measure that would make "white space" spectrum available for wireless broadband.

White space is industry lingo for the unused airwaves that abut broadcast TV spectrum, providing a buffer zone from stray signals and other inferference. The buffer zone was set up more than 50 years ago when TV was first invented.

The FCC's white-space plan was initially proposed four years ago. More than 25,000 comments — from supporters as well as critics — were submitted.

Under the FCC's plan, white space spectrum will be unlicensed and free — like Wi-Fi — to anybody who wants to use it. In some markets, there's enough white space to fill a half dozen TV channels.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin says consumer are the biggest winners. The white-space plan "is a significant victory for consumers," he told USA TODAY. "The abilty to have Wi-Fi like connectivity, at faster speeds and greater range" will help further deployment of broadband across the USA.

Supporters cheered the move. "This spectrum should become fertile ground for innovation, potentially offering consumers and companies an unlimited variety of applications, devices, networks and more," the Information Technology Association said in a prepared statement. Tech giant Motorola agreed. By allowing the use of white-space spectrum, "the FCC is advancing access to broadband services, especially in rural areas where broadband is more limited," Motorola said in a prepared statement. Other supporters include IBM, HP and Dell.

Broadcasters opposed the plan. Their basic beef: white space devices — which don't yet exist — might introduce interference into TV signals. Sports leagues, Broadway theatre owners and others that rely on wireless microphones, which use the same airwaves, also opposed the plan.

To guard against inferference, the FCC adopted a number of safeguards. Example: In major markets, you won't be able to use white-space devices near TV broadcast locations or big entertainment venues such as Madison Square Garden. Others can ask the FCC for similar "safe zone" treatment.