NCTA Weighs In on Mobile, Fixed Devices

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association gave the Federal Communications Commission a laundry list of reasons why it doesn't think the commission should allow mobile, or fixed, wireless devices in the so-called TV white spaces until it resolves key interference issues. While broadcasters have only been lobbying hard against mobile unlicensed devices, the NCTA said current proposals for fixed licensed devices don't pass muster, either, and could create interference to cable systems. The trade group pointed out that the devices could interfere with reception of distant TV signals at cable headends, for example, which, it argued, are more susceptible to interference from the devices, arguing that such interference could "wipe out" programming to an entire community. It also argued that allowing the powerful transmitters needed for fixed devices would threaten cable signals.