Wireless Innovation Alliance Encouraged by FCC Announcement of White Space Prototype Testing Schedule

The Wireless Innovation Alliance (WIA) today congratulated the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on its commencement of TV 'white space' device testing, beginning on January 24, 2008. The testing process will allow for the FCC to gather additional data on prototype devices that will enable the development of clear and effective rules of the road to help guide future technological development within the vacant spaces of the broadcast television spectrum."There is no doubt that this unused spectrum can be put to better use for consumers without interfering with TV signals. This testing process will allow the FCC's engineers to develop policies in this area without undue political interference," said Rhett Dawson, CEO, Information Technology Industry Coalition. "We encourage the FCC to move forward in an expedient fashion so that consumers can benefit from these exciting innovations as quickly as possible."

"The prototypes set to undergo testing hold the potential to spur innovation and create new applications for consumers, including greater broadband connectivity, community mesh networks and a host of new wireless devices," said Michael Calabrese, vice president of the New America Foundation and Director of its Wireless Future Program. "The alliance and its members are committed to unlocking the potential of this highly valuable and unused public resource, and will fully cooperate with the FCC to enable a timely and accurate completion of the testing process."

The WIA includes more than 15 organizations, representing the technology industry, consumer and public interest groups, and educational and technical organizations. The Alliance also enjoys strong bipartisan support from a growing number of Congressional Members committed to actively working to create opportunity and enable innovation in the U.S. The goal of the Alliance is to work closely with policymakers to craft rules of the road that will realize the opportunity of TV White spaces, which lie vacant in as much as 75% in some areas of the country.

For more information about the Wireless Innovation Alliance, visit: www.wirelessinnovationalliance.com