TV White Spaces, the unlicensed spectrum between television bands, has been a hot topic since the switch from analog to digital TV back in June 2009. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, author Amy Schatz says “Technology and telecommunications companies could soon get access to unused TV airwaves, allowing them to introduce new wireless gadgets and services, under rules that Federal Communications Commission officials are close to putting into final form.” The FCC is expected to vote on the "TV White Spaces Second Memorandum Opinion and Order" on September 23, 2010.
The announcement is long overdue for industry stakeholders such as broadcasters and wireless providers who have been waiting for the FCC to open up the access to this unlicensed spectrum since 2002. Industry leaders such as Cisco and Motorola will now have the ability to certify devices that can operate in these frequencies, ultimately leading the way for the first commercial launch of the TV White Spaces marketplace.
Allowing the spectrum to be delivered on an unlicensed basis allows companies to further demonstrate alternative solutions to alleviating the “spectrum scarcity” issue facing the wireless industry, while still helping to achieve the goals of the National Broadband Plan. The TV White Spaces frequencies will need to be managed by a database that ensures devices will not interfere among one another. Database driven networks open the door for innovative solutions regarding the acquisition and distribution of spectrum assets. For more information on spectrum sharing through databases, click here.
Spectrum Bridge has already demonstrated three of the nation’s first network trials that are still fully operable on experimental licenses from the FCC. The first network was deployed in Claudvile, Virginia and provided broadband access to residents and businesses in the community. The second deployment in Wilmington, North Carolina, demonstrated that the unlicensed spectrum can be used to further enhance “Smart City” applications such as remote water monitoring, security and Wi-Fi access to the city park, as well as traffic monitoring for public safety. The third trial was launched in Plumas-Sierra County exhibiting the usability of this spectrum for "Smart Grid" applications. To read the success stories highlighting the applications used in each of the three network trials mentioned, click here.
Be sure to check back next week for information on a fourth network launch using the unlicensed TV White Spaces spectrum.
- Andrew Pielack
Friday, September 3, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Andrew Seybold helps validate Intelligent Spectrum Management using TV White Spaces
In a recently released whitepaper, Andrew Seybold, a leading authority on technology and trends shaping the world of wireless mobility, discusses his views on the availability of additional spectrum for wireless broadband communications. The whitepaper provides insights on the total addressable market for Intelligent Spectrum Management, which utilizes databases to manage spectrum sharing technologies for both licensed and unlicensed spectrum.
Using a database approach to assign devices to particular frequencies “makes a lot of sense” says Seybold. Rather than additional technology having to be built into each new radio, “the system relies on database technology that can track spectrum in a given area and assign spectrum for systems that require communications on an as-needed basis.” This is the very same approach that Spectrum Bridge is currently demonstrating in three separate experimental trials in the U.S. utilizing unlicensed TV White Spaces spectrum.
As stated in the Rysavy Research Industry Report, the demand for spectrum will soon exceed network capacity for wireless carriers. Seybold reiterates this view stating “the wide-area networks will not be able to meet the demand of the coming years.” However, he believes that TV White Spaces can be used to help alleviate and off-set some of the network traffic, “This new spectrum provides the ideal platform for longer-range, but still local, wireless broadband services and will be used for bridging gaps between wired, cable, and fiber connections and locations that cannot be economically served by either wide-area or Wi-Fi systems.” In addition to alleviating network traffic, TV White Spaces can help to provide additional services to unserved and underserved communities, supporting the FCC National Broadband Plan to provide rural America with broadband access.
What appears to be most intriguing is that the central database approach to spectrum management goes above and beyond the TV White Spaces by using database architecture that can essentially evolve to support both unlicensed and licensed spectrum. For more information about Spectrum Bridge and multiple spectrum sharing technologies, click here.
-Christian Duffus
Using a database approach to assign devices to particular frequencies “makes a lot of sense” says Seybold. Rather than additional technology having to be built into each new radio, “the system relies on database technology that can track spectrum in a given area and assign spectrum for systems that require communications on an as-needed basis.” This is the very same approach that Spectrum Bridge is currently demonstrating in three separate experimental trials in the U.S. utilizing unlicensed TV White Spaces spectrum.
As stated in the Rysavy Research Industry Report, the demand for spectrum will soon exceed network capacity for wireless carriers. Seybold reiterates this view stating “the wide-area networks will not be able to meet the demand of the coming years.” However, he believes that TV White Spaces can be used to help alleviate and off-set some of the network traffic, “This new spectrum provides the ideal platform for longer-range, but still local, wireless broadband services and will be used for bridging gaps between wired, cable, and fiber connections and locations that cannot be economically served by either wide-area or Wi-Fi systems.” In addition to alleviating network traffic, TV White Spaces can help to provide additional services to unserved and underserved communities, supporting the FCC National Broadband Plan to provide rural America with broadband access.
What appears to be most intriguing is that the central database approach to spectrum management goes above and beyond the TV White Spaces by using database architecture that can essentially evolve to support both unlicensed and licensed spectrum. For more information about Spectrum Bridge and multiple spectrum sharing technologies, click here.
-Christian Duffus
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Spectrum Sharing Through Databases
A recent paper written by a group of Stanford engineers explores the idea of "stitching together" all available wireless networks, allowing users to move freely between spectrum and networks owned by different cellular and WiFi providers, helping to improve the efficiency of unused spectrum. This approach would enable companies to "share" spectrum from other providers and reroute their traffic load during peak hours, making their network more efficient.
Many of the concepts are closer to reality than the paper suggests. In fact, Spectrum Bridge has developed multiple spectrum sharing technologies and solutions based on existing and upcoming FCC regulations. Our creation of a proprietary TV White Spaces Database, allowing anyone to locate available White Spaces, demonstrates the concept of spectrum sharing through the use of a database. We expect the FCC to complete the rule making on White Spaces this year, and products and services based on this concept will quickly enter the marketplace.
In partnership with WISPA, and the wireless industry, we developed the UDIA database, another example of spectrum sharing. This solution identifies potential device interference with Terminal Doppler Weather Radars (TDWRs) in the 5 GHz band. By providing a way for network operators to "share the air", we have opened up the market for certified equipment use in the shared TDWR and UNII frequencies.
Universal Spectrum Access allows us to leverage the secondary market for spectrum and utilize dynamic spectrum databases to make bandwidth more widely available. By allowing multiple devices to operate in the same band, Spectrum Bridge is able to provide a more efficient spectrum sharing environment. For example, this database could allow two entities to share spectrum in a deterministic way - the first entity, a school could use the available spectrum for distance learning from 8 am to 4 pm on school days. The second entity, a utility company, could then utilize the same spectrum from 12 am to 2 am for remote meter readings, creating a more efficient utilization of spectrum.
Our solutions support many of the National Broadband Plan goals outlined by the FCC, and specifically address the Presidential Memorandum, "Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution", in which President Obama spoke to the need for the more efficient use of existing spectrum and advanced spectrum sharing technologies in order to expand wireless broadband access. As we continue to demonstrate the capabilities of our spectrum sharing technologies, we look forward to updating you on our findings. (To learn more about spectrum sharing, click here)
- Peter Stanforth, CTO
Many of the concepts are closer to reality than the paper suggests. In fact, Spectrum Bridge has developed multiple spectrum sharing technologies and solutions based on existing and upcoming FCC regulations. Our creation of a proprietary TV White Spaces Database, allowing anyone to locate available White Spaces, demonstrates the concept of spectrum sharing through the use of a database. We expect the FCC to complete the rule making on White Spaces this year, and products and services based on this concept will quickly enter the marketplace.
In partnership with WISPA, and the wireless industry, we developed the UDIA database, another example of spectrum sharing. This solution identifies potential device interference with Terminal Doppler Weather Radars (TDWRs) in the 5 GHz band. By providing a way for network operators to "share the air", we have opened up the market for certified equipment use in the shared TDWR and UNII frequencies.
Universal Spectrum Access allows us to leverage the secondary market for spectrum and utilize dynamic spectrum databases to make bandwidth more widely available. By allowing multiple devices to operate in the same band, Spectrum Bridge is able to provide a more efficient spectrum sharing environment. For example, this database could allow two entities to share spectrum in a deterministic way - the first entity, a school could use the available spectrum for distance learning from 8 am to 4 pm on school days. The second entity, a utility company, could then utilize the same spectrum from 12 am to 2 am for remote meter readings, creating a more efficient utilization of spectrum.
Our solutions support many of the National Broadband Plan goals outlined by the FCC, and specifically address the Presidential Memorandum, "Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution", in which President Obama spoke to the need for the more efficient use of existing spectrum and advanced spectrum sharing technologies in order to expand wireless broadband access. As we continue to demonstrate the capabilities of our spectrum sharing technologies, we look forward to updating you on our findings. (To learn more about spectrum sharing, click here)
- Peter Stanforth, CTO
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Spectrum Bridge Database Solution facilitates Spectrum sharing in 5GHz Band
Spectrum Bridge has partnered with the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) creating the UNII Device Interference Advisor (UDIA). The UDIA is a spectrum database solution that provides network operators in the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) frequencies (5.47-5.725 GHz) an easy way to search and find whether their towers potentially interfere with Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) systems.
There are currently 47 TDWR systems located nationwide; operators and installers are being encouraged to voluntarily register and manage their device information in the online database. UDIA was developed to promote cooperation between the federal agencies including the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the wireless industry and to ensure the safe and interference free operation of the FAA’s TDWR network.
Mitigating interference issues between unlicensed wireless devices operating in a frequency band shared with TDWRs makes available approximately 300 MHz of previously unusable spectrum. Efficiently sharing this spectrum not only helps meet the demands outlined in the FCC National Broadband Plan, it also supports Spectrum Bridge’s Universal Spectrum Access vision. Additionally, equipment manufacturers and the wireless industry may also look ahead to the certification of new U-NII equipment. For more information on the release of the database powered by Spectrum Bridge, click here.
- Peter Stanforth, CTO
There are currently 47 TDWR systems located nationwide; operators and installers are being encouraged to voluntarily register and manage their device information in the online database. UDIA was developed to promote cooperation between the federal agencies including the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the wireless industry and to ensure the safe and interference free operation of the FAA’s TDWR network.
Mitigating interference issues between unlicensed wireless devices operating in a frequency band shared with TDWRs makes available approximately 300 MHz of previously unusable spectrum. Efficiently sharing this spectrum not only helps meet the demands outlined in the FCC National Broadband Plan, it also supports Spectrum Bridge’s Universal Spectrum Access vision. Additionally, equipment manufacturers and the wireless industry may also look ahead to the certification of new U-NII equipment. For more information on the release of the database powered by Spectrum Bridge, click here.
- Peter Stanforth, CTO
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Spectrum Bridge and GE partner to provide solutions for mission critical network deployments
Spectrum Bridge recently announced a relationship with GE Energy, a leader in advanced communications systems for the Utility, Oil & Gas, Water/Wastewater and Heavy Industrial markets, to offer a new industrial data networking solution for use in mission critical applications.
GE Energy and Spectrum Bridge have partnered to help certify the MDS SD2 radio which is now able to operate in the 216-222MHz frequency range of spectrum. The new wireless network solution utilizes the licensed 218-219 MHz (Interactive Video & Data Service) band of spectrum, ideal for applications which require long range links, transmission through dense foliage, and building penetration.
Several existing licenses of IVDS including 6 of the Top 10 NFL markets are currently available on SpecEx.com. The IVDS spectrum is considered ideal for industrial wireless networking solutions supporting multiple applications including:
Expanding the use of this previously underutilized and unencumbered spectrum into the industrial enterprise markets demonstrates Spectrum Bridge’s core business of providing greater availability and access to spectrum bandwidth and the efficient allocation within a wireless network. For more information, click here.
- Sheri Ridenour, Senior Account Manager
GE Energy and Spectrum Bridge have partnered to help certify the MDS SD2 radio which is now able to operate in the 216-222MHz frequency range of spectrum. The new wireless network solution utilizes the licensed 218-219 MHz (Interactive Video & Data Service) band of spectrum, ideal for applications which require long range links, transmission through dense foliage, and building penetration.
Several existing licenses of IVDS including 6 of the Top 10 NFL markets are currently available on SpecEx.com. The IVDS spectrum is considered ideal for industrial wireless networking solutions supporting multiple applications including:
- Smart Grid
- Smart Meter
- Distribution Automation SCADA
- Remote PLC & Measurement devices
- Water/wastewater control and Remote Monitoring
Expanding the use of this previously underutilized and unencumbered spectrum into the industrial enterprise markets demonstrates Spectrum Bridge’s core business of providing greater availability and access to spectrum bandwidth and the efficient allocation within a wireless network. For more information, click here.
- Sheri Ridenour, Senior Account Manager
Monday, July 12, 2010
Connecting America through Technology
As the FCC begins to take on the action items from the National Broadband Plan, it is clear to see that we are making some progress towards fulfilling the four key goal areas (View progress on the Proposed 2010 Key Broadband Action Agenda Items):
- Maximizing consumer benefit and fostering competition
- Creating strong and secure public safety communications networks
- Accelerating Universal Broadband Access and adoption
- Promoting broadband infrastructure and innovation
The president’s commitment to make available 500 MHz of Federal and commercial spectrum over the next 10 years is a positive step towards building the necessary infrastructure needed to connect the country. Although this spectrum will certainly help to offload the demand for bandwidth over the next 10 years, will it be enough to keep up with the demand from new devices on the market?
In this age of smartphones, netbooks and other innovative wireless devices, demand for bandwidth is at an all time high. Some estimates indicate that over the next five years we will see an increase in wireless data between 20 and 45 times 2009 levels. In order to meet the growing demand for spectrum, it is necessary to seek out a hybrid solution – combining more efficient spectrum use and technology to cost-efficiently address the issue of spectrum scarcity.
In a fact sheet from the White House, it states: “… new technologies have the potential to free up spectrum from many of its existing uses. In combination with regulatory changes, new and emerging technologies can facilitate the repackaging, reallocation, and even sharing of spectrum. Reallocating spectrum to its most valuable use promises to be a win-win effort – creating value that not only spurs new innovations and creates new jobs, but also benefits existing spectrum users by allowing them to raise funds for transformative new investments.”
Spectrum Bridge is leading the way in terms of bringing new technology to the market to help foster innovation and to provide broadband solutions to previously unserved and underserved areas. As we deploy trial white space networks to demonstrate the capabilities of TV white spaces spectrum, we continue to realize the potential of this newly available spectrum. This month, our COO, Joe Hamilla will be presenting at the IEEE 802.19 Wireless Coexistence Working Group meeting to present our experiences with deploying trial TV White Spaces networks. Check back soon for his insights from this workshop!
Richard Licursi, CEO
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Increasing Spectrum Efficiency Through the Secondary Market
With the release of the National Broadband Plan, there have been many discussions about what needs to be done in order to accommodate the need for additional spectrum given the finite supply of resources. While we are taking steps in the right direction as far as reallocating additional spectrum for commercial use through the radio spectrum inventory act, these bands are slated to be released over the next 10 years – in which time, the already overwhelming demand for bandwidth is expected to surpass the amount of spectrum available. However, these numbers do not necessarily take into account the inefficiency of existing spectrum use. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, FCC Chairman Genachowski said, “We’ve got to work on spectrum policies that generate greater efficiency. For example, creating new and better markets for secondary markets in spectrum…Literally trading spectrum.”
At Spectrum Bridge, we understand the importance of utilizing a secondary market to help increase the efficiency of existing spectrum resources – there simply is not enough bandwidth for all of the applications consumers utilize on a day-to-day basis. In an effort to help bring more spectrum to the market and help to solve the spectrum scarcity issue, we filed a proposal with the FCC recommending two alternatives to the existing process of auctioning off licensed spectrum.
• The FCC lists the spectrum on an on-line secondary market exchange at the current market value, allowing for competitive bidding.
• The FCC proceeds with an auction as proposed, raising the minimum bid to the fair market value. Once the auction is completed, list all unsold licenses on an online secondary market exchange to allow for competitive bidding.
Both of these alternatives would promote access to unused and underutilized spectrum, consistent with the National Broadband Plan recommendations.
What’s the difference between holding a spectrum auction and placing it on an electronic exchange?
As the FCC stated in the NBP, “The goal of the FCC’s current secondary market policies is to eliminate regulatory barriers that might hinder access to, and permit more efficient use of, valuable spectrum resources.” While the auction process has been in place for many years, it is not necessarily the most efficient way to transact spectrum. The existing process hinders the creation of a competitive marketplace that an online exchange can address. In many cases, valuable spectrum resources that are auctioned off are not efficiently utilized after purchase, but may sit idle until the next spectrum auction. By taking spectrum off of the auction block, and placing it directly in front of buyers on an electronic spectrum exchange, a larger, more competitive buying pool is created.
To read our comments to the FCC regarding maximizing spectrum efficiency through the use of a secondary market for spectrum, click here.
- Joe Hamilla, COO
At Spectrum Bridge, we understand the importance of utilizing a secondary market to help increase the efficiency of existing spectrum resources – there simply is not enough bandwidth for all of the applications consumers utilize on a day-to-day basis. In an effort to help bring more spectrum to the market and help to solve the spectrum scarcity issue, we filed a proposal with the FCC recommending two alternatives to the existing process of auctioning off licensed spectrum.
• The FCC lists the spectrum on an on-line secondary market exchange at the current market value, allowing for competitive bidding.
• The FCC proceeds with an auction as proposed, raising the minimum bid to the fair market value. Once the auction is completed, list all unsold licenses on an online secondary market exchange to allow for competitive bidding.
Both of these alternatives would promote access to unused and underutilized spectrum, consistent with the National Broadband Plan recommendations.
What’s the difference between holding a spectrum auction and placing it on an electronic exchange?
As the FCC stated in the NBP, “The goal of the FCC’s current secondary market policies is to eliminate regulatory barriers that might hinder access to, and permit more efficient use of, valuable spectrum resources.” While the auction process has been in place for many years, it is not necessarily the most efficient way to transact spectrum. The existing process hinders the creation of a competitive marketplace that an online exchange can address. In many cases, valuable spectrum resources that are auctioned off are not efficiently utilized after purchase, but may sit idle until the next spectrum auction. By taking spectrum off of the auction block, and placing it directly in front of buyers on an electronic spectrum exchange, a larger, more competitive buying pool is created.
To read our comments to the FCC regarding maximizing spectrum efficiency through the use of a secondary market for spectrum, click here.
- Joe Hamilla, COO
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