Microsoft Meets FCC OET Staff on Changes to TV White Spaces Rules

Microsoft officials said they met with Chief Julius Knapp and others from the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology about the need for further changes to the TV white spaces rules. Among changes the company seeks are increasing the maximum height above average terrain of fixed white space devices from 250 meters to 500 meters, increasing radiated power in less congested areas from 40 to 42 dBm, permitting geofenced fixed operations on moving platforms and promoting the narrowband IOT, said a filing posted Friday in docket 12-268. "These improvements are the product of Microsoft’s experience with White Spaces technology including input from device manufacturers and rural broadband providers, as well as extensive discussions with other stakeholders," the company said.