Motorola Supports FCC Decision on Rural Broadband

Motorola commends the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its adoption of rules governing Television White Space (TVWS).

The rules will permit the use of fixed, mobile, and portable devices for Internet access and other communications-related applications in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum designated for over-the-air television broadcasting in areas where it is not used by broadcasters or other authorized entities.

In many areas in the United States, television channels lie fallow because broadcasters only occupy a certain number of channels in every television market. By allowing the use of TVWS, the FCC is advancing access to broadband services, especially in rural areas where broadband is more limited.

As part of the FCC's decision, power limits have been imposed on TVWS devices to ensure there is no interference to television signals and other permitted users within the television band. In particular, the FCC is requiring the first group of approved devices to include geo-location technology. Geo-location devices provide extremely accurate protection by using a database to determine available channels based on the precise location of the device.

Motorola is developing and implementing the geo-location technology approved by the FCC. During the FCC's eight-month laboratory and field testing, Motorola's device was 100 percent successful in identifying television signals and preventing interference.

"The FCC has taken a significant step to usher in a new era of technology allowing for major investments in innovative wireless broadband, education, and government/enterprise applications to spur economic development," said Greg Brown, president and co-chief executive officer of Motorola. "Motorola looks forward to developing products to market that will help consumers realize the full potential of the TVWS including the opportunity to make broadband access, as well as other communication services, available to millions of underserved Americans."