BusinessTN

White space. It sounds like it could be a soothing, peaceful place. But the debate over whether the Federal Communications Commission should allow Internet/computer companies to develop new wireless devices that utilize white spaces--open areas of the television broadcast spectrum--has proven anything but quiet. Spurred into action by the increased attention shown the coveted territory by behemoths like Google and Microsoft, television and microphone-reliant broadcasters of all stripes--with numerous Tennessee interests among them--have urged the FCC to ensure that the potential devices will not interfere with the wireless microphones (which already operate in that space) that they rely on every day.

"There is no 'second chance' to re-do a live performance," said Steve Gibson, music director and producer of broadcast audio for the Grand Ole Opry, in a May press release regarding a letter sent to the FCC on behalf of several Nashville-based music interests. "The white spaces proposals being considered by the FCC could turn 'Music City' into a silent city unless they get it right. As it stands, these proposals will not provide critical protection to the wireless microphone systems that are integral to every show."

Kathleen O'Brien, president and CEO of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, also filed a letter with the FCC urging the commission to "protect the experience of the live performance."

When reached for comment, she added, "We're asking that the FCC take a look at what systems and devices can be created that would not impact wireless microphones and make sure that they are absolutely foolproof. Until that can happen, we're asking that they do nothing."

The issue has been on the FCC's radar for several years because the nation's upcoming February transition from analog to digital television will free up more of the broadcast spectrum. Technology heavyweights want to tap into the white spaces, where signals travel quickly and can be received indoors, to operate new wireless broadband devices. The result, as described by one Google official, would be "Wi-Fi on steroids." Proponents say utilizing the white spaces for wireless service would not only vastly improve data transmission speeds, but would allow for broadband access in the nation's most rural areas.

A dream come true, right? Not exactly. When Google and others began full-court press lobbying efforts more than a year ago to convince the FCC to open up the white spaces, the National Association of Broadcasters and television networks balked, expressing concern that such devices would interfere with television broadcasts. Wireless microphone manufacturers and users soon followed with Illinois-based microphone manufacturer Shure leading the charge on behalf of the churches, sporting events, live performance venues and others who utilize Shure's products. After all, Shure told the FCC, it isn't just the programs that come across one's television set that are in danger--the wireless microphones that allow parishioners to hear their preachers on Sunday or patrons to hear a performance on Broadway also operate on the spectrum in question.

"Our concern is that if [the proposed devices] permeate the population, they would be out there in high numbers, and we foresee a catastrophic interference problem between consumer devices and audio wireless devices," says Marc Brunner, Shure's senior director for public and industry relations. "We have been working to educate the FCC and the industry about this issue, and we're attempting to ensure that if any of the proposed devices are allowed to operate in the spectrum, the decision is made on careful science and with thorough technical evaluation of how the products would need to perform."

As a result, the FCC, which began lab testing in January, conducted field tests last week at an NFL pre-season game at FedEx Field outside of Washington, D.C., and on Broadway at the Majestic Theater in New York City. (The producer of NBC's Nashville Star offered the show's facilities as a testing venue.) The purpose of the tests was to see how effectively prototype devices could sense and avoid channels that wireless mike users occupied. (The idea being that the devices must be smart enough to detect where the white spaces are before they begin transmitting.)

While Shure declared that tests in both venues failed to accurately sense wireless mikes, the Wireless Innovation Alliance, which represents Google, Microsoft, Motorola and the like, says that's not the case. The group is confident that the proposed devices can operate in the spectrum without interfering with other signals. "Opponents of white spaces devices have inaccurately declared each and every test a failure and the recent field tests are no exception," says Jake Ward, spokesperson from the Wireless Innovation Alliance. "There is no indication that any information gathered during the most recent field tests contradicts anything that we do not already know, specifically that white spaces technology is feasible and harmless to incumbents."

Though the absence of a middle ground has marked the debate from the beginning, the FCC appears one step closer to releasing its findings and, ultimately, to setting rules regarding the use of white spaces. Like it or not, the different parties will find themselves on common ground soon enough. How much white space will separate them? That remains to be determined.