FCC Changes TV White Spaces Rules; More Tweaks Under Review

The FCC updated rules for fixed TV white spaces devices, in an order approved 5-0 Tuesday and released Wednesday. It said the devices covered are mostly used by wireless ISPs, schools and libraries for wireless backhaul. The new rules require fixed white space devices include a “geo-location capability such as GPS and eliminate the option that permitted the geographic coordinates of a fixed device to be determined by a professional installer.” External geo-location sources by a fixed device are OK “when it is used at a location where its internal geo-location capability does not function, such as deep inside a building.” The agency requires devices to recheck geographic coordinates at least once a day and report the coordinates to the white spaces database. The regulator sought comment on changes sought by NAB in a 2016 NPRM (see 1605060066). It didn't address a request by Microsoft last year seeking other changes (see 1802050031). “We do not intend to prejudge those requests in this item and may consider them in a future notice of proposed rulemaking,” the FCC said. Changes won’t be instantaneous. The agency will permit continued marketing of previously approved devices that don't comply with the new rules until 18 months after the effective date. Wireless ISPs got a change they sought, in an accompanying order on reconsideration. The FCC now will permit white spaces antennas of up to 100 meters in less congested areas, versus the 30-meter limit. “This action will allow for improved wireless broadband service to persons in rural and other underserved areas,” the FCC said. “A 100-meter antenna height above ground level limit will benefit wireless broadband providers and users by permitting antennas to be mounted on towers or other structures at heights sufficient to clear intervening obstacles such as trees and hills that would attenuate the transmitted signal, thereby increasing the range at which the signal can be received.” Requiring "automatic geolocation in white spaces devices will help increase accuracy and protect television viewers from harmful interference,” a NAB spokesperson said. This makes vacant and unlicensed TV channels “more useful for deploying better and more affordable broadband in rural America,” said Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Program at New America. “The commission rejected efforts by broadcasters to try to deter the use of [TV white spaces] for rural broadband in furtherance of their goal to monetize public airwaves they neither paid for nor actually use.”