Microsoft calls for white space validation

Proponents of so called ‘white space’ broadband, Microsoft and Philips, are pushing US communications agency the FCC to acknowledge their tests proving that the technology does not interfere with TV broadcasts.

In August, a collaboration of tech firms headed up by Google, Intel, HP, Microsoft, Philips and Dell, known as the White Space Coalition, submitted a gadget that can be used to receive a high speed web service on spectrum locations between channels, without interference to television.

The platform could be used to deliver wireless broadband services using the ‘white space’ that separates TV and radio channels from one another.

However, the prototype gadget failed the FCC’s tests and caused interference on the TV channels. But Microsoft claims that the device was defective, which led to the poor results.

On Friday, Microsoft submitted a test document to the FCC, featuring results showing that the device does not interfere with TV broadcasts.

The coalition is now calling on the regulator to validate its claims.