This space will open up in February of 2009 in the United States, probably leading to new wall penetrating devices. What is it?

Verbonica

White space - unused airwaves that abut TV spectrum and provide a buffer from stray signals and other interference. Full power analog television broadcasts, which operate between the 54 MHz and 806 MHz television frequencies (Channels 2-69), are slated to cease operating in February 2009 per a United States digital switchover mandate, which will create white space. White-space airwaves in the spectrum can penetrate walls, making it ideal for wireless broadband. http://www.wallstrip.com/2008/11/03/white-space-expected-to-open-to-the-public/ Nov 10 08, 11:25 PM

edmund80

Excellent! A band of white space will be come into existence in February 2009. Despite protests from TV broadcasters, entertainers, professional sports leagues, church pastors, and some congressional leaders, the FCC approved rules for devices using spectrum that sits between broadcast TV channels. This 300MHz to 400MHz of unused spectrum known as "white spaces" is considered prime spectrum for offering wireless broadband services because it can travel long distances and penetrate through walls. Technology companies such as Google, Motorola, Microsoft, and Dell have been lobbying the FCC for years to open this spectrum for unlicensed use. The hope is that the spectrum could be used to augment existing wireless services or eventually be used to create new wireless broadband services. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10082505-94.html Nov 11 08, 12:23 AM

jordandog

This is fascinating! Having seen the ads and banners across the bottom of the TV about the digital switchover mandate here in the U.S. for the last year, I never gave a thought to what could actually be done with the 'space' that would open up. Nov 11 08, 8:28 AM