The US Federal Communications Commission has approved the use of certain broadcast spectrum for broadband services. The unused spectrum between TV channels, often referred to as 'white spaces', will be open to unlicensed use for fixed and mobile broadband devices. The decision follows lobbying from the internet industry, including Google and Microsoft, to allow the spectrum to be used for wireless broadband services. The FCC adopted rules for use of the spectrum to ensure existing services using similar frequencies, such as TV and wireless microphones, are not affected. New devices for using the spectrum will be required to have spectrum-sensing technology to avoid interference, and the FCC laboratories will have to approve each device.

Source:Telecompaper