FCC Proposes Reserving Channel for Unlicensed

A divided Federal Communications Commission has proposed that one UHF channel be set aside in each market after the incentive auction for use by so-called unlicensed white space devices, and to be shared by wireless microphones. That use would have priority over various broadcast uses, which troubled the National Association of Broadcasters. Broadcasters had pushed for a channel for wireless mics they would not have to share.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, Commissioner Rosenworcel, and Commissioner Clyburn voted to approve, while Commissioner Pai dissented and Commissioner O'Rielly dissented in part. Low-power TV stations, translators and broadcast auxiliary services, and even full-powers in some cases, will have to demonstrate that their repacked or modified facilities after the auction would not use up the last available vacant channel. It is a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, not an order, so the public and industry get to comment on the proposal.