Inslee, Deal Propose Bill Requiring Prompt Opening of Broadcast White Spaces

Reps. Inslee (D-Wash.) and Deal (R-Ga.) Tues. introduced legislation that would force the FCC to complete its white spaces proceeding and issue a final order before Oct. 1, or 180 days after enactment. The bill would require the Commission to open the broadcast white spaces for unlicensed use “at the earliest technically feasible date” and no later than Feb. 18, 2009. Sens. Kerry (D-Mass.) and Smith (R-Ore.) introduced a companion bill in the Senate in Jan. The bill first appeared in the House last Congress.

“This spectrum has virtually unlimited potential,” Inslee said: “It will open the floodgates to innovation and usher in a new wave of high-tech advances… For too long, this high-potential spectrum has gone to waste. Now that we have technology that can operate in white spaces without affecting current users, it’s time to get rural and underserved Americans online.”

The White Spaces Coalition, which includes Dell, Google, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Intel and Phillips supported the legislation. Last week, the group submitted to the FCC for testing a prototype device designed to operate in the white spaces without causing harmful interference.

“Utilizing this spectrum can help deliver a new generation of wireless broadband devices and services, and help to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of technological innovation and services,” said Scott Harris, attorney for the coalition: “We hope that Congress takes action to ensure that the FCC concludes its proceeding quickly, and allows for the robust use of the white spaces which are now unused.”