Well, after wireless companies worst nightmare has come true (see: Wireless Rebates, More Wireless Rebates) there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
In the Final FCC Ruling on White Spaces, there have been quite a few protection schemes left in for wireless users (from small to GIANT users). All that was left out is any information about the 700 mHz band that wireless companies are already trying to get away from.
Protections
- Several Channels exclude ALL devices that gain access with this ruling. (Analog TV channels 14-20)
- There will be a database that all new devices (routers, broadband cards, not wireless mics) will have to download every day. You can register your Location, Estimated Time Usage, and Channel ahead of time, and no devices will jump to that channel.
- The original protection, automatic channel switching off of in use channels is still there. Devices Scanning for a frequency WILL create wireless “hits” aka interference. And no one likes Hits. Register your uses!
This seems like a great start to sharing this bandwidth, and the FCC has actually made an outstanding effort to keep wireless companies/users happy. Now that the pros are taken care of with channel registration, lets see how many Home/Amateur users freak out when their 700 mHz band mics stop working Feb 18th.
