Spectrum "White Space" debate heating up

The debates for and against using wireless "white spaces" of spectrum - that is, the unassigned (and unused) frequencies in between assigned TV broadcast channels - are getting louder. In one camp are the "open spectrum" or "commons" proponents (some would call them the "anything goes" folks); in another are the broadcasters, intent on "protecting" their over-the-air turf (does anyone really watch over-the-air TV anymore?); and in yet another camp, are those scratching their heads, wondering what the hell the outcome of these debates will have on everyone - particularly on those who would attempt to productively use these "white spaces". Remember, this spectrum is unlicensed spectrum, which is pretty much unregulated, unprotected, (read "FCC rules unenforced") spectrum.

For your reading pleasure, here are two papers on the subject - one for and one against the use of "white spaces". Read them and decide for yourself which camp - if either - you would support. Then, read this.

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Spectrum and Improving Public Safety Communications

The author of this paper has some interesting views on how the government could improve Public Safety communications. While many of his points are indeed valid, very serious consideration, debate, and well-thought-out implementation strategies will be needed to bring his ideas to life.

Read the paper and decide for yourself here: http://www.issues.org/23.2/peha.html


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A Brief Comparison of Spectrum Policy Methods

For the typical individual, attempting to understand or comprehend why spectrum matters is not an easy nor simple task, which more than likely explains why most don't even bother. For these folks, perhaps reading this short paper describing the three major areas of thought regarding spectrum policy will help put much of what you hear or have read on the subject into the proper context.

A Comparative Analysis of Spectrum Management Regimes

By Johannes M. Bauer
Department of Telecommunication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
(Undated)

DRAFT. FOR PURPOSES OF DISCUSSION ONLY.

Abstract

Spectrum management influences the evolution of the mobile communications industry. Administrative "command and control" spectrum management, "market-based" approaches, and "commons" or "open spectrum" approaches are analyzed. These methods have unique advantages and disadvantages and no single approach is superior on all counts. Optimal spectrum policy will have to determine the right mix of these methods rather than adopting one model.

Basically, what this paper says is that balanced spectrum management policies are needed to satisfy the wireless communications requirements of all competing spectrum users. Unfortunately, not only is there NO up-to-date official spectrum policy in the United States to guide us, but the current methods of management and allocation (not to mention Rules enforcement) of the spectrum are not by any means well-balanced - other than in terms of how many dollars the government is able to place in the Treasury by selling the airwaves. (But wait; that's another issue all by itself, and may be the topic of a future post.)

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The "Open Spectrum" Perspective

Here are couple of links to items worthy of a read if for no other reason than to provide examples of what type of information (?) and rhetoric is being spread as "fact" to those who might be interested - or naive - enough to listen - and many are.

The author says, "Opening the spectrum would turn a federally-managed 'permissions' system into an 'open market' for ideas and creativity." No kidding!

And, "the effects on our democracy and economy should not be underestimated." One cannot disagree with this statement, either.

Are these really the kinds of spectrum management concepts and uses that we need to be considering?


Open Spectrum FAQ
http://www.greaterdemocracy.org/OpenSpectrumFAQ.html

Why Open Spectrum Matters - The End of the Broadcast Nation
http://www.greaterdemocracy.org/framing_openspectrum.html

Compiled by David Weinberger
Bio: http://www.hyperorg.com/speaker/bio.html#left

Web Site: http://www.evident.com
Last updated: 1.21.03


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