Federal Communications Commission FCC 08-260 
STATEMENT OF 
CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN 
Re: Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186; Additional Spectrum for 
Unlicensed Devices Below 900 MHz and in the 3 GHz Band, ET Docket No. 02-380 
Today’s approval of rules authorizing the use of television (TV) “white spaces” spectrum is a significant 
victory for consumers. 
Today’s action was advocated by a diverse coalition of consumer groups, technology leaders and Internet 
pioneers. Opening the white spaces will allow for the creation of a WiFi on steroids. It has the potential 
to improve wireless broadband connectivity and inspire an ever-widening array of new Internet based 
products and services for consumers. Consumers across the country will have access to devices and 
services that they may have only dreamed about before. I fully expect that everything from enhanced 
home broadband networks, to intelligent peer-to-peer devices, and even small communications networks 
will come into being in TV “white spaces.” 
More specifically, the rules adopted by the Commission establish a framework for enhanced wireless 
communications by building on a proven concept: the safe deployment of new, intelligent devices in the 
unused spectrum that exists between television channels. 
We do so without disrupting TV services, wireless microphones, or other permitted uses of this spectrum. 
I have always said that opening the white spaces must be conditioned on protecting primary spectrum 
users from interference. 
We have been cautious in our approach. Significantly, the Commission embarked on extraordinary 
testing. Not only did the Commission consider thousands of comments, ideas and recommendations 
submitted by the public, we opened up the testing of the prototype white spaces devices that had been 
submitted to the FCC. For months, both proponents and opponents of opening the white spaces 
participated in laboratory and field testing conducted by our engineers. OET also released a lengthy and 
detailed report of its findings to the public. 
Normally, the Commission adopts prospective rules about interference and then certifies devices to ensure 
they are in compliance. Here, we took the extraordinary step of first conducting this extensive 
interference testing in order to prove the concept that white space devices could be safely deployed. 
Prior to going to market any white space device will undergo a rigorous certification process. Today’s 
item protects broadcasters’ operations. It also protects entertainment, sports and other significant venues, 
including the unlicensed operation of many wireless microphones and other wireless devices in those 
areas. Additionally, channels have even been set aside to protect wireless microphones in major markets. 
In order to protect broadcasters, all white space devices must initially use geo-location in conjunction 
with database consultation to ensure they can operate in a particular location without interference. 
Manufacturers remain free to demonstrate that sensing-only devices can operate safely and efficiently, 
without causing interference to television viewers. Such devices will only be deployed after they have 
demonstrated their effectiveness through a vigorous, public, proof of performance process. 
Similarly, manufacturers are challenged to show ways that devices using higher power levels that 
authorized today can be deployed on adjacent channels. 

Federal Communications Commission FCC 08-260 
In conjunction with our other actions today regarding Verizon-Alltel and Sprint-Clearwire, opening up the 
TV white spaces furthers the goal of making wireless a powerful, competitive broadband platform and 
offers significant benefits to consumers across the country.