With the date for the switch to all digital programming in the United States approaching closer and closer each day, the issue of white spaces has grown into a concern for many. White space is the frequencies that are not currently being used by television or radio when they broadcast to viewers or listeners. The issue that companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Dell argue is that with such available frequencies, there should be the opportunity for individuals to use certain devices that can pick up and use white spaces for their own needs so long as they do not interfere with television signals. However, the counter argument that stands is that such devices in fact do interfere with the frequencies that television and radio companies need. Some have even argued that it would be wise to allocate such frequencies in the case of emergencies so that police officers, fire fighters and public officials could communicate through the frequencies.
rabbit ears from Google
The Wall Street Journal said this week that The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has decided to allow stations to apply for additional frequencies. This is probably because the stations will hypothetically lose viewers once the digital switch is officially put into place (it was supposed to happen nationwide in February of this year). The Wall Street Journal also said that the opportunity for stations to acquire these frequencies would be beneficial because a test in Wilmington, N.C. last year showed that certain individuals would permanently lose certain stations because the digital and analog range is different.
from Google
This decision by the FCC is another example of the complications that the country is facing in attempting to become all digital.
0 Responses to “The switch to digital, what about white spaces?”