Broadcasters Ask Court To Hold Off On White Spaces Decision [Multichannel News]
Recently the FCC agreed on a plan for establishing a database to identify available areas in the broadcast TV spectrum that can be used by white space devices without the risk of interference. It’s the result of a process that began in the fall of 2008. Since that time, numerous petitions for reconsideration have been filed, resulting in the FCC going back to the drawing board several times to reconsider.
Two years ago and just after the FCC began their white space process, The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Association of Maximum Service Television (MSTV) brought a claim against the FCC on the issue. As a result of this lawsuit, the two associations were precluded from filing petitions for reconsideration.
Now the broadcast trade associations, who undoubtedly are determined to hold on to the spectrum the FCC is seeking to free up for wireless broadband applications, want the federal court reviewing the decision to hold off until the FCC can hear even more challenges. In addition, the broadcasting associations are asking the court to require 60 day filings by the FCC on the status of its latest reconsiderations.
The broadcasters are determined to hold on to the spectrum, even the portions that are no longer in use since their digital transition. The FCC may have more hurdles to overcome before their spectrum decision becomes official.
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