In Depth

Parton Adds Voice to Argument Over White Space

Dolly Parton has stepped into the battle at the Federal Communications Commission over whether the agency should act now to begin allowing the marketing of devices that use the white space between digital TV channels.

In a letter to FCC commissioners, Ms. Parton added her voice to those urging the FCC to put off a scheduled Nov. 4 vote to give its final go-ahead to the devices. Broadcasters are concerned that the devices would interfere with TV channels, while performers, theaters and sports leagues fear the new devices will interfere with their ability to use wireless microphones.

“As someone who uses the white spaces and knows the value of them for the work that I and many of my friends do around the country, I ask the FCC to recognize the entertainment industry’s valuable contribution to the cultural life,” Ms Parton said in her letter. “I can unequivocally confirm that the importance of clear, consistent wireless microphone broadcasts simply cannot be overstated. This industry relies on wireless technology and is in jeopardy of being irreversibly devastated by the commission’s pending decision.”

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin scheduled a vote on giving the go-ahead after an FCC engineering report said the interference issue had been solved.

Technology companies including Microsoft and Google and consumer electronics companies hope to use the new bandwidth to provide “WiFi on steroids,” allowing portable devices that more easily serve up video. Those companies, along with some congressional backers, argue that the technology issues have been solved and the FCC should act now.

Broadcasters, with their congressional backers, some performers and theater groups, argue that the FCC is moving too quickly; they urge the agency to slow down and to solicit public comment on the engineering study before proceeding. That would slow the arrival of the new devices.

Public-interest groups today reiterated their support for the FCC acting, arguing that opponents have “obfuscated” the issues.

“The FCC’s proposed rule would be a huge win for consumers, expanding broadband coverage, lowering prices and triggering lots of new innovation at a time when jobs and investment are under heavy downward pressure,” said a letter sent to Congress by Free Press, Media Access Project, Consumer Federation of America, Public Knowledge, New America Foundation, Consumers Union, National Hispanic Media Coalition, Prometheus Radio Project, Tribal Digital Village, Acorn Active Media Foundation, CUWiN Foundation and Ethos Group.

Leave a comment

Comments 47

user-pic

Here's another example of an uninformed, clueless group trying to influence the FCC's technical regulations. Indiscriminate use of 'white spaces' can only result in a nightmare of uncontrolled interference cases. Let's stuff this one back into the bag until it has been studied by impartial experts, not "committees."

Bill

user-pic

I wish the FCC would tell us precisely who is going to "expand broadband coverage" in this manner.

Municipally-provided broadband has turned out to be an almost universal failure, and ISPs are certainly not going to reduce prices simply because a new distribution method has become available to them - one that will require all new transmitters and receivers (no equipment currently exists to transmit or receive data in the "white spaces.") Who will be buying these yet undeveloped, untested devices? Cash-strapped consumers? Cash-strapped companies? Will anyone be willing to invest the funds to design and build such devices so companies can turn around and invest in deploying the newly designed untested devices? Or is it more likely that businesses will be more willing to let "someone else" go first on both counts?

Further, per Parton's comments, there are already a number of unlicensed uses of nearby spectrum that will be adversely impacted by this decision.

If there's anything the FCC has been horrible about of late it's stomping on existing uses of spectrum (e.g. amateur radio) and being careful to avoid interference issues.

No, companies like Google have been pushing this as an answer to "broadband penetration" (benefits them) while even they have been unable to make municipal Wi-Fi a success in their hometown of Mountain View, CA.

Jim

user-pic

First, my cell phone already causes all kinds of interference with any nearby speaker: TV, answering machine, whatever. I don't like it, but big deal. I don't hear any cell phone carriers running around saying "Hey, we should get rid of cell phones until we find out why this occasional noise is occurring!"

Second, if there are slight initial interference problems, I'm confident they will be addressed in the marketplace. If a device causes interference, people won't buy it. If a device doesn't cause interference, people will buy it. Seems very simple to me. But, if the spectrum can't even be used and tested, then NO devices will be developed, because there will be no market. And that's exactly what the broadcasters want: to continue their control and dominance over what people can and can't have access to, and under what terms.

Use the white space! TV sucks anyway these days!

user-pic

Regarding the marketplace...

You don't care whether the device you buy creates interference, because that doesn't affect your device. You care whether it's subject to interference from other devices.

Self-interest alone won't prevent the proliferation of badly behaved devices.

user-pic

Thanks for the article. Blogging is replacing main stream news for many people.

user-pic

Thanks for your visiting this www.watchau.com/replica-pens/ online store.

user-pic

How ya doin, I I stumbled upon your blog on yahoo and browse pretty much all your other posts. I just added you to my RSS feeder. Keep up the fantastic job. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future. You know, It just so happens, I really enjoy this website and the insight from everyone who participates. I find it to be refreshing and very informative. I wish there were more blogs like it. Anyway, I felt it was about time I posted, I?ve spent most of my time here just lurking and reading, but today for some reason I just felt compelled to say this.

user-pic

How ya doin, i am excited to read the whole content of this blog and am very excited and happy to observe that the blogger is doing a very great thing here to put all the best stuff and information right here, i will brag about this information with a link on my website.

user-pic

You should consider giving a recommendation of other posts for people who enjoyed this. I came across your blog yesterday while googling, unfortuneatly I am not really into the blog thing. It's not because I don't like blogs, but more than likely due to the fact that I'm slightly behind to them.

user-pic

Exactly why in the hell do we let the UN to stay in UN and support it? Kick it out! And, the applause because of this nut causes it to become More essential that there be no mosque at Ground Zero.

user-pic

If you're still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you'll know which is right for you.

user-pic

Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?

user-pic

I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.. :)

user-pic

I love the expression. Everyone needs to express there own opinion and feel free to hear others. Keep it up :)

user-pic

Definitely definitely great website article which has got me considering. I never looked at this from your point of view.

user-pic

This is the best blog I've ever seen in my life! I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to share your this with everyone.

user-pic

The price depends on the size and quality. Note that it is important to reflect on the materials Replica Handbags Discount softball

user-pic

Baby Phat Replica Handbags Online are now known as the company was first formulated by Kimora Lee Simmons in 1991.

user-pic

Since I knew the name of Hermes, I have heard too many words to his Bikin and Kelly Buy Replica Bags . Compared to other luxury brands, I believe that no one will be the market leader in the fashion industry with only two styles. In the heart of most people, Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags are timeless classics, but would spend more than a year waiting list to get one. What is the mark of a great charm!

user-pic

There are many women like to wear only black or white for the most part, for reasons known to them. Most of these women are black, as they are usually worn at work. The black costume is a top priority, although many other Replicas Designer Handbags available today. The elegance, the black can mean a possible flush. But this does not mean that sometimes other colors to be known, black or not.

user-pic

When I first heard mention of Laura Chicurel and its range of leather Quilted Handbags from salmon skin, I must admit that I have a double take. As any journalist to do hard, I threw my research and trawling the web in an effort to learn more about the product. Information was scarce and so I decided to get what he needed from the mouth of the Creator.

user-pic

Thank you for great article. I had a very good time reading, and there were few things I was surprised by.

user-pic

Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

user-pic

I really like the colors here on your blog. did you design this yourself or did you outsource it to a professional?

user-pic

Yo. First of all - fantastic blog! Secondly this article was also good and interesting to read, but I don't think everything you have said is completely true. I will need to google about few things you have mentioned in your artcile to make sure. But anyway thanks for trying and good luck on writing other articles. P.S sorry for bad English, I aren't English native speaker.

user-pic

This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work :)

user-pic

Finally, the efforts of the bridesmaids should be appreciated. Perfect options such as monogrammed Unique Handbags , evening bags, embroidered and leather goods can be thoughtful, elegant wedding gifts for bridesmaids. thank Or maybe other custom options for women’s issues as a compact mirror engraved, engraved silver bracelets, necklaces or earrings. Before the wedding, the presents, of course, that the upper reservoir is the temptation during the bachelorette party a kind of warm clothing for their bridesmaids. This is a sure success, while it depends a great time with the bridesmaids beautiful and elegant, they are perfect additions for a festive evening.A proven strategy to make money blogging is to provide various market niches Blogs laser target. The idea here is to transport long tail keywords recorded (three words or more) and build a small network of niche products related blogs. Take designer handbags for example, you can build three micro-blogging for Fendi, Burberry and Hermes Unique Handbags and designer handbags generic blog all blogs with each other. This is a network of four blogs, handbags turns, and 3 micro- Blogs create will increase the search engine optimization, blog, so you get more visitors and more sales.

user-pic

Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.

user-pic

I just want to emphasize the good work on this blog, has excellent views and a clear vision of what you are looking for.

user-pic

Good day. First of all - nice blog! Secondly this information was also good and interesting to read, but I don't think everything you have said is real truth. I will need to google about few things you have mentioned in your artcile to make sure. But anyway thanks for trying and good luck on writing other articles. P.S sorry for bad English, I aren't English native speaker.

user-pic

Today is Freedom of speech day, help wikileaks Assange. erma

user-pic

This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work :)

user-pic

Nice blog subject. thanks for letting me add something!

user-pic

Such as silk invitation boxes are available online, Best Knock Off Handbags come in various fashion designs. You can choose what you want you may marketable and be compatible with the preference of your customers think.

user-pic

Keep focusing on your blog. I love how we can all express our feelings. This is an extremely nice blog here :)

user-pic

This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work :)

user-pic

Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It's very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.

user-pic

Hello, this is a certainlyexcellent article. In theory I'd wish to create articles like this as well - taking time and real work to make a great post.!!!. but what can I say... I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to have something done. Thank You

user-pic

I'll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)

user-pic

Hey, really enjoyed this post! Shed light on a few things I didn't understand. Thank you.

user-pic

This is getting a bit more subjective, however this is a great blog.keep up the good work.

user-pic

I was very pleased to discover this website.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely enjoying every tiny bit of it and I have you bookmarked to examine out new stuff you publish. home and garden

user-pic

I like this info presented and it has given me some sort of desire to have success for some reason, so keep up the good work.

user-pic

Straight on the level and very well written, thanks a lot for the information

user-pic

liked th is post!

user-pic

I am sorry, AOL will not resinate with me as an identity what so ever.What are they attempting to obtain across? What is the new viewers they may be hoping to create? If you examine it, what do you're feeling?I see a hell of a lot of unplugged ethernet cables puking throughout my keep track of.I consider you meant to use a similar description for each the 8 worst along with the amount one new identity

user-pic

Interesting layout on your blog. I really enjoyed reading it and also I will be back to read more in the future.