NAB Issues Preemptive Strike Against Microsoft In White Spaces Battle

NAB ISSUES PREEMPTIVE STRIKE AGAINST MICROSOFT IN WHITE SPACES BATTLE
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Glen Dickson]
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is looking to stay one step ahead of the computer industry in the lobbying battle over what type of wireless devices will be allowed to operate in unused portions of the broadcast spectrum. The trade association released a statement early Monday afternoon aimed at Microsoft and other computer firms that have been pushing for the FCC to allow various types of unlicensed wireless devices to operate in the so-called "white spaces" within the broadcast spectrum. "The FCC performed rigorous tests on the Microsoft devices, and we are confident that its finding that these devices cause interference to television reception is accurate," said NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton in a statement. "Nearly a decade ago, broadcasters and government launched the historic public-private partnership that is bringing the next generation of television to American consumers. Now that the DTV transition is near completion, up steps Microsoft and its allies to jeopardize all that has been accomplished. By continuing to press its self-serving agenda, Microsoft is playing Russian Roulette with America's access to interference free TV reception."
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6468401.html?rssid=193

* NAB statement
http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&template=/CM/ContentDisp...

* Microsoft says test shows vacant airwaves usable
Microsoft Corp told the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Monday it was confident that vacant television airwaves can be used for wireless services without interfering with broadcast signals.
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1329621220070813

* Microsoft Screws Up the White Spaces; or, Why Citizens Movements Are Citizen Driven — the Latest Example
http://www.wetmachine.com//item/868