In order to free up more bandwidth for data-hungry mobile devices, the Federal Communications Commission will open up the unused frequencies, or white spaces, that exist between television stations.
The FCC is calling the project “Spectrum Bridge.” In late January, the television white spaces database system will begin providing service in a designated area as a preliminary test, with national access slated to be made available over the following months. The spectrum to be opened up exists between television channels numbered one through 51. The white spaces will be unlicensed, therefore individual wireless companies will share the spectrum.
As mobile devices continue to grow in popularity, wireless companies have been looking to expand their total spectrum to accommodate data-hungry devices. According to CNNMoney, the FCC previously reported that the current surplus in spectrum is on track to becoming a deficit by 2014.
In regard to Spectrum Bridge, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the following in a statement:
With today’s approval of the first TV white spaces database and device, we are taking an important step towards enabling a new wave of wireless innovation. Unleashing white spaces spectrum has the potential to exceed even the many billions of dollars in economic benefit from Wi-Fi, the last significant release of unlicensed spectrum, and drive private investment and job creation.
Wireless companies are not waiting on the FCC, however, to expand the spectrum available to them. Verizon Wireless recently made deals with cable companies to buy up more spectrum, and AT&T’s failed bid to buy T-Mobile would have expanded that wireless company’s spectrum. The antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating the Verizon Wireless deals.
FCC scrambles to cope with data avalanche CNNMoney
Spectrum Bridge’s TV White Spaces Database System and Authorization of a TV White Spaces Device FCC
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FCC to open unused spectrum as demand for data grows