Why are white spaces important?
Written by Joshua Breitbart Wednesday, 25 March 2009 14:33
"White spaces" are the unlicensed or unused portion of the radio spectrum between television broadcast channels. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) originally put those spaces there to minimize interference between analog television broadcast channels. In February 2009, television transmissions will turn digital and diminish the need for white spaces as a buffer between channels because digital signals use less space when traveling through the airwaves.
What do we want?
We want the FCC to open the unused, public airwaves in these white
spaces to public use. That's how we got wi-fi and cordless phones and
remote controls and microwaves. All from one small sliver of the
airwaves that is open for anyone to use with devices that have been
certified by the FCC. It's called "unlicensed" use because most other
kinds of broadcasts require a specific license from the FCC. We want
that same kind of opportunity for innovation with white space devices.
Why are white spaces important to me?
If, like most low-income New Yorkers, you rely on your cellular phone more than a landline or a laptop or a desktop, then your whole communications future is at stake with this issue. If you hate your cell phone provider or you like the idea of sharing Internet connections, then this is for you.
Why are white spaces important to New York?
- White space devices can help New York City close its digital divide. A recent study by the New York City Economic Development Corporation found that a majority of New Yorkers don't have access to broadband Internet. Only 26% of low-income New Yorkers have a decent Internet connection. That means they are shut out from education and employment opportunities and important information about health and government. They are also closed off from the online world of community journalism, which we believe is the key to civic participation in the information age. The FCC certification of new white space devices is the single most important thing we could do to address this problem.
- Unlicensed, low-power devices would make the most efficient use of our airwaves. After the Digital Television Transition in February, 20% of New York City's television channels will be vacant, according to a study conducted by Free Press. That's a lot of a really valuable resource to go unused. The other proposal for what to do with the white spaces is auction them off to big broadcasters. But those high-power signals require buffers that we just don't have in New York; that 20% is in lots of small pieces, not big chunks. So the licensed option would mean no new providers in NYC – zero. The only way for New York to benefit from white spaces is through unlicensed use.
- Access to the white spaces will help our economy. The creation of new white space technology will provide a huge boost to New York City's technology sector, which is an important contributor to our local economy. Also, without new white space rules, Broadway shows and music venues may have to stop using wireless microphones, since they have been using them illegally until now.
What's so important about wireless access?
Mobile phones are far more widespread than computers with at-home Internet, especially among the groups currently marginalized from the Internet. According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, “African Americans and English-speaking Hispanics are more likely than white Americans to use cell phones or PDAs for non-voice data applications.” The situation is similar, if not quite as dramatic, for seniors and those with low incomes. Bring cheaper, faster Internet service to those mobile devices and the levels in access start to even out. Imagine what could happen if all of these people had this new opportunity to speak and listen.
How can I help?
Make some noise!
- Contact your City Council member to tell them you support white space devices. City Council is considering a resolution on the matter, but right now they oppose white space devices because they've mostly heard from the incumbent broadcasters. They need to hear from you.
- Contact the FCC, which is preparing to decide in October what to do with white spaces.
- Contact your Congress member, who can influence the FCC.
- Have your organization sign our letter of support.
