Microsoft disputed the Federal Communications Commission agency’s recent finding that prototype Internet devices on vacant television bands cause static for existing broadcasts, Reuters reports. In a document filed with the FCC on Monday, Microsoft said that unused television bands can safely be used for wireless services and wouldn’t interfere with existing broadcast signals. The unused U.S. television airwaves would be available for other services by early 2009, when broadcasters are due to switch from analog to digital signals.
Microsoft said its first prototype had a defect that caused the interference but that its new prototype worked successfully. Microsoft, Intel and others want the FCC to make those airwaves available for use without a license. They hope the unused bands can be used for wireless services such as Internet access. See also: FCC ignores the lesson of Wi-Fi
