Background on Unlicensed Spectrum
This backgrounder provides a look at what unlicensed spectrum is, how it
relates to the TV white spaces, and how valuable it is as a resource.
Unlicensed spectrum is a powerful resource that has many beneficial
applications within the wireless ecosystem. Read more about the
opportunities made possible through unlicensed spectrum and the economic
potential it could unleash. This background information provides a
basis for that argument and demonstrates the value that releasing
unlicensed spectrum could have for the economy.
What is unlicensed spectrum?
The FCC makes spectrum available either on a licensed or unlicensed basis. Any innovator or consumer can use unlicensed spectrum just by following technical rules - without having to comply with a maze of regulations that apply to licensed services. This low-regulation system lets innovators deliver millions of unlicensed offerings such as Wi-Fi hotspots; medical equipment; industrial/logistics/inventory systems; wireless headsets; cordless phones; remote car door openers; RFID; and wireless keyboards.
What are the TV White Spaces?
TV broadcasters do not use all of the spectrum in the broadcast band. The vacant frequencies between TV channels are called the White Spaces. Republican FCC Chairman Michael Powell proposed using these frequencies for unlicensed broadband in 2002. In 2008 the FCC, on a bipartisan and unanimous basis, implemented Chairman Powell's vision. While there is unlicensed spectrum at other frequencies, the TV White Spaces are uniquely important because their physical properties enable signals to penetrate walls and trees and provide better consumer experiences than those offered in other unlicensed bands.
What is unlicensed spectrum?
The FCC makes spectrum available either on a licensed or unlicensed basis. Any innovator or consumer can use unlicensed spectrum just by following technical rules - without having to comply with a maze of regulations that apply to licensed services. This low-regulation system lets innovators deliver millions of unlicensed offerings such as Wi-Fi hotspots; medical equipment; industrial/logistics/inventory systems; wireless headsets; cordless phones; remote car door openers; RFID; and wireless keyboards.
What are the TV White Spaces?
TV broadcasters do not use all of the spectrum in the broadcast band. The vacant frequencies between TV channels are called the White Spaces. Republican FCC Chairman Michael Powell proposed using these frequencies for unlicensed broadband in 2002. In 2008 the FCC, on a bipartisan and unanimous basis, implemented Chairman Powell's vision. While there is unlicensed spectrum at other frequencies, the TV White Spaces are uniquely important because their physical properties enable signals to penetrate walls and trees and provide better consumer experiences than those offered in other unlicensed bands.
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