Google Asks FCC To Reject NAB TV White Spaces Proposal

Google made to the agency in March (see 1603140047). NAB clarified that under its proposed implementation of the 20-minute rule, a device that’s in power-saving mode and not transmitting wouldn't need to contact a TVWS database, Google said. “This is a sensible and important clarification that the Commission should adopt,” Google added. “This point does not, however, materially advance NAB’s argument for subjecting all unlicensed channels to a 20-minute requirement. Google has shown that such a rule would be unreasonably burdensome and not justified by broadcasting requirements.” If NAB’s proposal is adopted, it would be impossible “to use TVWS devices that may have only intermittent Internet access when operating, such as remote controls or devices used on agricultural equipment or watercraft that routinely travel within a defined area such as farm or lake,” Google said. The letter was posted Friday in docket 14-165. “It is ironic that Google’s letter discusses the need for compromise and a balancing of interests," a NAB sokesman said in response. "The commission has taken significant steps to relax the rules for white spaces operations while providing, for the first time, white spaces in the most congested markets in the country. All NAB asks is that the FCC take steps that will actually work to protect licensed users. Google’s proposal does not meet that standard.”