AT&T Supports Temporary Halt to TV While Spaces Operations

Squabbles between competitors in any spectrum-based business are normal. So it is that the U.S. National Association of Broadcasters has asked for suspension of TV white space operations until purported database problems are corrected.

The Wireless Innovation Alliance argues NAB has provided no evidence there is a serious problem.

AT&T now has backed the NAB. One might argue none of the positions are unusual: each argument arguably is congruent with the business interests of the organizations.

But there is one crucial observation made by an AT&T executive, even when supporting a suspension of operations.

“Policymakers increasingly view spectrum sharing as policed by a database-driven frequency manager as critical to the future of U.S. spectrum policy,” said Joan Marsh, AT&T VP.   

Spectrum sharing is broadly seen as “critical” for future U.S. spectrum policy. That is the main long-term takeaway.

In both the 3.5 GHz proceeding as well as in connection with the incentive auction, the FCC envisions permitting significant unlicensed allocations directly adjacent to a variety of licensed uses.

The assumptions underlying this approach are that a database can accurately manage the scope of unlicensed use while providing accurate information on the users so interference concerns can be addressed.  

So AT&T says it also sees problems with present database operations. The squabbling is not unusual. The takeaway is important: spectrum sharing is a crucial part of the future way spectrum will be used to support communications.