Wi-Fi Alliance® Applauds FCC Ruling on Television White Spaces

Wi-Fi Alliance® Applauds FCC Ruling on Television White Spaces

Use of vacant spectrum will enable new Wi-Fi® technology for a range of applications

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wi-Fi Alliance welcomes a ruling issued today from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enabling the practical use of new unlicensed spectrum. Vacant spectrum from unused analog television bands - commonly called "TV white spaces" - presents an important new frequency for Wi-Fi operation, and today's FCC ruling provides usable guidance that is responsive to industry recommendations.

"We share the FCC's enthusiasm about the potential use of TV white spaces for Wi-Fi," said Wi-Fi Alliance CEO Edgar Figueroa. "The new FCC rules will foster innovation that benefits end users, while continuing to promote co-existence among all users of the spectrum."

The Wi-Fi Alliance recently initiated an industry effort to create a certification program for Wi-Fi devices operating in the TV white spaces. This program will draw on the emerging IEEE 802.11af standard.

Operation in television white spaces spectrum will enable Wi-Fi signals to travel up to three times farther and better penetrate obstructions such as walls and physical obstructions. New applications will be able to take advantage of this greatly improved range for Wi-Fi, to build large outdoor networks and extend coverage in hospitals, homes, corporate environments and more.

"Our industry is ready to design a range of innovations leveraging television white spaces, and we are excited for what lies ahead as a result of the Commission's decision today," said Figueroa. "Delivering advanced connectivity using TV white spaces spectrum is another important way for Wi-Fi technology to address consumer and market needs and advance our connected experience."

About the Wi-Fi Alliance

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit industry association of hundreds of leading companies devoted to the proliferation of Wi-Fi technology across devices and market segments. With technology development, market building, and regulatory programs, the Wi-Fi Alliance has enabled widespread adoption of Wi-Fi worldwide.

The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) program was launched in March 2000. It provides a widely-recognized designation of interoperability and quality, and it helps to ensure that Wi-Fi enabled products deliver the best user experience. The Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 8,000 product certifications to date, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services in new and established markets.

Wi-Fi®, Wi-Fi Alliance®, WMM®, Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA), the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo, the Wi-Fi logo, the Wi-Fi ZONE logo, and the Wi-Fi Protected Setup logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance; Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM), Wi-Fi Direct(TM), Wi-Fi Protected Setup(TM), Wi-Fi Multimedia(TM), and the Wi-Fi Alliance logo are trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

SOURCE Wi-Fi Alliance

Wi-Fi Alliance

CONTACT: Karl F. Stetson of Edelman, +1-206-268-2215, karl.stetson@edelman.com, for Wi-Fi Alliance

Web Site: http://www.wi-fi.org

-------
Profile: intent