Unlicensed use of TV Band frequencies is enabled by a "cognitive radio resource coordinator", which serves the analogous function of mDNS for channel selection.
Key Bridge has made several important contributions to the FCC proceeding and rulemaking to support seamless unlicensed operation for consumers while ensuring robust incumbent protection.
For a detailed analysis of device to to database communications methods see our architecture and channel list documents. More >
TV Band frequencies represent a large portion of “prime” broadcast spectrum currently allocated in 6 MHz channels from 2 to 51 and ranging between 54 and 680 MHz. Current channels 52 to 69 (from 680 to 788 MHz) will be vacated for other uses after the transition to Digital Television. In total up to 468 MHz of new radio spectrum will become available for unlicensed use. This is compared with 84.5 MHz of short-propagation spectrum allocated for 802.11 a/b WiFi.
It's critically important to note that TV Band spectrum is not being vacated for unlicensed use. In principle, unused holes and gaps in present channel use will become available on a non-interfering basis. Current incumbent licensed and unlicensed services will retain priority for the use of TV Band frequencies. Examples of priority services include analog and digital television broadcast, public safety, commercial dispatch and offshore radios, wireless microphones (concerts, sports arena, Broadway shows), medical telemetry devices and broadcast auxiliary services. For these reasons the number of available channels and spectrum will necessarily vary by geographic location and may change over time.
New unlicensed TV Band devices will be regulated under Part 15 rules, meaning they must accept interference from any other FCC approved device (Part 15 or licensed) and must not cause harmful interference with other devices. Because of the uniquely efficient propagation qualities of TV Band frequencies this is a special concern for licensed, incumbent systems not designed or manufactured to co-exist with Part 15 devices.
Several major electronics product and software companies have indicated they will build or offer TV Band Devices (TVBDs) for consumer, enterprise and Government use. The FCC envisions and Industry has responded with two formal classes of TV Band device which either provide infrastructure (e.g. access points) or enable consumer services (e.g. laptops and mobile phones). These devices are formally labeled "Fixed" and "Personal / Portable"
Fixed TV Band devices are intended to support point to point and radio access network services.
TV Band resources may create new opportunities for wireless operators to provide broadband Internet, voice and video services. This may have special value in rural areas not served by fiber and wireline networks in need of cost-effective broadband connectivity to homes, schools and local Government.
Personal / Portable devices may simply join a TV Band network (similar to a WiFi hotspot) or create a local network supporting ad-hoc connectivity or peer-to-peer applications.