Pai Circulating White Spaces NPRM for Feb. 28 Vote

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai circulated Wednesday an NPRM for a Feb. 28 commissioners' vote. It "would allow white space devices to reach users at greater distances, thus enabling improved broadband coverage," the agency announced this morning. "Because white space device operations must protect other authorized services from interference, Chairman Pai is also proposing to increase the minimum required separation distances for white space devices operating at higher power."

This proposal "would further help bridge the digital divide while protecting TV stations,” Pai said. The rulemaking proposes to OK "higher transmit power and higher antennas for fixed white space devices in rural areas." It would allow "higher power mobile operations within geo-fenced areas and proposes rule revisions to facilitate the development of new and innovative narrowband" IoT services, the agency said.

Microsoft has sought white spaces changes, and NAB has agreed on some but not all of them. The company and association, as well as wireless groups, didn't comment right away.

The agency will release Pai's blog Thursday about items he's circulating for the Feb. 28 meeting, an agency spokesperson told us. Those drafts will be released Friday, she said.