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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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October
9, 2008
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Dennis
Wharton
202-429-5350
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NEW
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS BROADCASTERS' CONCERN
OVER POTENTIAL 'WHITE SPACE' INTERFERENCE
WASHINGTON,
DC -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and Association for
Maximum Service Television (MSTV) sent a new video to Capitol Hill today
demonstrating the potential interference that could result from introducing
unlicensed mobile devices into broadcast television spectrum.
The
video, which includes highlights from recent sporting events, shows the
interference viewers would encounter if broadcast television spectrum
is not afforded adequate protections.
"Despite
what some high tech companies might tell you, this is what you can expect
if unlicensed mobile devices are allowed to operate in the TV spectrum
without adequate protections. These devices can't sense when spectrum
is in use -- and we can't risk uncontrollable TV interference," the
video reads.
The
video is available at www.interferencezones.com/whitespaces.wmv.
Joining
television broadcasters in expressing concern over the interference-causing
devices are sports leagues, Broadway theater groups, cable operators and
networks, wireless microphone manufacturers and religious groups.
A
July
2007 FCC report concluded that sample prototype 'white space' devices
did not accurately detect broadcast signals and caused interference to
TV broadcasting and wireless microphones. That setback was followed by
a February
2008 power failure, in which a Microsoft representative admitted that
their prototype device "just stopped working." In March, another
Microsoft device "unexpectedly
shut down," according to a Microsoft press release.
To date, 70 lawmakers have expressed concern over the use of unlicensed
personal-portable devices in the broadcast spectrum, including:
About
NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and
television stations, NAB advances their interests in legislative, regulatory
and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables
broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses
and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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