The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director for Public Knowledge:
“Today’s action by the Federal Communications Commission is a great step forward to providing consumers with an exciting new range of products and services. White spaces technology, using the gaps between digital TV channels, will be adapted to uses ranging from adding flexibility to laptops and tablet computers, to extending broadband access to underserved people in rural and urban settings.
“We haven’t seen anything like this since the FCC 20 years ago approved the use of what was then thought to be unwanted spectrum and what today is used for wi-fi, and other unlicensed consumer applications.
“Companies are eager to build devices and deploy the technologies. The FCC’s action is a clear signal to go ahead and get started constructing an exciting part of our future.
“We understand that some details remain to be resolved with regard to the database, and that the incumbents may continue to press for further limits on this technology. We hope the FCC will give the technology the maximum flexibility to reach its potential and not burden the spectrum with requirements that would restrict its reach and usefulness. Any FCC rules should of course use caution, but not undue caution, in protecting incumbents.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.