White Space Test At FedEx Field Fails To Pick Up Transmissions

By Eric Fisher, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

FedEx Field White Space Test Fails To Accurately Pick Up Transmissions

Electronic manufacturer Shure Inc. claims FCC white space spectrum testing held Saturday night at FedEx Field before and during the Redskins' preseason game against the Bills failed to accurately sense wireless microphone transmissions. The FCC has been holding ongoing tests on the proper use of unassigned broadband spectrum territory, otherwise known as white space. A group of large technology outfits are looking to use the space for an expansion of wireless Internet service, but several sports broadcasters and properties are fearful such an influx will cause interference to existing game and TV operations. "The prototype (white space) devices were unable to consistently identify operating wireless microphones or distinguish occupied from unoccupied TV channels," said Shure Inc. Senior Dir of Public & Industry Relations Mark Brunner in a statement. "More troubling, the devices failed to detect the presence of wireless microphones when switched on, ­an occurrence that takes place multiple times during any NFL game." Rashmi Doshi, chief of the FCC's laboratory division office of engineering and technology, declined to comment on Saturday night's tests. "We're still collecting data and will be putting out a report at a later stage," Doshi said.