Intel told the FCC there were sufficient vacant channels availabl...
Intel told the FCC there were sufficient vacant channels available in some TV spectrum to permit the use of unlicensed devices on certain broadcast channels. Intel expanded on earlier comments in an FCC inquiry on making additional spectrum available…
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for unlicensed devices, including TV broadcast bands. The FCC in Dec. sought feedback on whether unlicensed devices should be able to operate in bands beyond those allowed under Part 15 rules, including TV broadcast spectrum. Intel had recommended the Commission consider authorizing unlicensed operation at 76-216 MHz (Chs. 5-13), 512-608 (Chs. 21-36) and 614-698 MHz (Chs. 38-51) by devices whose operating parameters took into account the broadcast TV environment in which they were running. Intel said its analysis clearly showed that in bands such as Chs. 5-13 and Chs. 21-51, with the exception of Ch. 37, “sufficient vacant channels exist to make sharing of the TV spectrum attractive to alternative service providers.” It said further analysis indicated unlicensed devices could operate as close as 1 m to a TV receiver without causing interference. Intel submitted an evaluation by its engineers that it said backed up those conclusions: “Notwithstanding the contentions of the NAB, vacant channels are available in major metropolitan areas.” The actual number of channels isn’t fixed because of the transition to DTV and other changes, Intel said. Its analysis was based on a scenario in which unlicensed devices would have the capability to scan spectrum for vacant channels and monitor the spectrum environment, making decisions on which vacant channel to use at a particular location. It also described devices that could adjust their emissions relative to the signal strength in 2 adjacent channels to not cause interference. “By embedding this capability into unlicensed devices, vacant channel selection could be performed based on the actual coverage of TV stations in the area rather than specified nominal range calculations and criteria,” Intel said. It said its analysis demonstrated that when actual TV transmitter locations, power levels and elevations were used “there would still be a significant number of available channels throughout most metropolitan districts.” Intel examined the San Francisco Bay area and Washington, D.C.