NAB Blasts FCC’s White Space Plan

The NAB  is calling the FCC’s plan to set reallocate a TV channel for unlicensed white space services “unwise, unsound” and “unlawful.”

The FCC plan, part of a general reorganization of the TV band that would follow the planned incentive auction next year, will harm broadcasting and its viewers, the NAB said in comments filed with the commission today.

First, it would would force hundreds of additional low-power television and translator stations off the air, the NAB said.

Second, it would hamper broadcasters’ ability to innovate, the NAB said. “The proposal would limit broadcasters’ ability to develop new standards or transition to them to the benefit of consumers.”

And, third, by roving channels from the TV band, it would be “nailing shut the door” on new entrants into broadcasting, the group said.

Aside from the damage to broadcasting, the NAB said, there is no evidence that the dedicated unlicensed channel will be put to good use.

Widespread use of white space by high-tech companies has not materialized, the NAB said. Given that fact, it said, “it is baffling why the commission continues to double down on long-shot spectrum policy.

“White spaces may yet offer the potential for innovation, but that potential is far from certain and it is wholly speculative to assume there will be any tangible benefits from the commission’s proposal in the near, medium or long terms.”