SpectrumTalk

White Space Device Testing
to Start at FCC Lab

A January 17th FCC public notice announced the beginning of the next round of testing of prototype white space devices (WSDs) on January 24 at 10 AM and will continue "4 to 6 weeks". the testing will be "conducted openly and transparently" although few details were given about procedures in the published test plan.

The notice indicated that devices from Adaptrum, Microsoft, Motorola and Philips would be tested but was ambiguous about whether late entries would be allowed. Google is thought to have a device also so we will see if they show up and will be allowed to participate with others.

Other unanswered questions about the testing include: What is the last date, if any, that developers can change the software in their prototypes? When can the developers show FCC staff how to operate the devices? FCC staff has informally told developers what type of data they want from the devices during test, e.g. a comma separated variable (CSV) list of yes/no detections for 30 consecutive trials at a given power level. Have all developers been told the same set of requirements?

So the restaurant business near the FCC Lab should pick up for the next few weeks. Hope they plow the parking lot for the expected guests. See you there!