[CWN-Summit] Action Alert: US White Spaces Could Open More Unlicensed Spectrum

[Harold Feld]

Dear all:

As those in the US may know, the FCC has scheduled a vote on the long
awaited broadcast "white spaces" proceeding, which will open unused
television channels in the broadcast bands for unlicensed use. As always, we
have last minute fights with incumbents who don't want to share "their"
spectrum. The first challenge is from users of wireless microphones. The FCC
is taking Channels 14-20 to give to wireless microphones for their use. In
addition, the FCC is also proposing to allow some wireless microphone users
(those that use 30 microphones or more) to apply for entry in the database
of protected users.

>From licensed operators, the proposal is to take 6 channels in "rural areas"
for licensed backhaul. In addition to taking the channels, these services
would wipe out usefulness of white spaces devices in neighboring bands.

Please contact the FCC and tell them that the white spaces rules must
provide enough space for real unlicensed, and that these proposals threaten
the ability of both urban and rural CWNs to provide broadband through this
spectrum. Here is a link to a letter WISPA has been filing, which does not
mention wireless microphones but provides good language on Fibertower
proposal.
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020912118

To file comments at the FCC, click on this link:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=t7ikq

The proceeding number is 04-186.

The deadline to file is *Thursday, September 14, 5 p.m., EST.*

Thank you. Please forward this wherever you think it will help.
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