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FCC RIN: 3060-AI52 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Docket No. 04-186) 
Abstract: The Commission adopted rules to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used by licensed services (this unused TV spectrum is often termed "white spaces"). This action will make a significant amount of spectrum available for new and innovative products and services, including broadband data and other services for businesses and consumers. The actions taken are a conservative first step that includes many safeguards to prevent harmful interference to incumbent communications services. Moreover, the Commission will closely oversee the development and introduction of these devices to the market and will take whatever actions may be necessary to avoid, and if necessary correct, any interference that may occur. The Second Memorandum Opinion and Order finalizes rules to make the unused spectrum in the TV bands available for unlicensed broadband wireless devices. This particular spectrum has excellent propagation characteristics that allow signals to reach farther and penetrate walls and other structures. Access to this spectrum could enable more powerful public Internet connections - - super Wi-Fi hot spots - - with extended range, fewer dead spots, and improved individual speeds as a result of reduced congestion on existing networks. This type of "opportunistic use" of spectrum has great potential for enabling access to other spectrum bands and improving spectrum efficiency. The Commission's actions here are expected to spur investment and innovation in applications and devices that will be used not only in the TV band but eventually in other frequency bands as well. 
Agency: Federal Communications Commission(FCC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15   
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i)    47 USC 302    47 USC 303(e) and 303(f)    47 USC 303(r)    47 USC 307   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  06/18/2004  69 FR 34103   
First R&O  11/17/2006  71 FR 66876   
FNPRM  11/17/2006  71 FR 66897   
R&O and MO&O  02/17/2009  74 FR 7314   
Petitions for Reconsideration  04/13/2009  74 FR 16870   
Second MO&O  12/06/2010  75 FR 75814   
Next Action Undetermined  To Be Determined    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Federal, State 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Hugh Van Tuyl
Electronics Engineer
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone:202 418-7506
Fax:202 418-1944
Email: hugh.vantuyl@fcc.gov