FCC backtracks on White Spaces?

First they approve them. Then they say it'll cause problems. Now they're in phase II testing...

In the fall of 2006, the FCC approved the use of TV white space for fixed broadband deployments. At that time, however, the FCC declined to approve the use of TV white space for low-power fixed and mobile personal devices pending an investigation of the potential for “harmful interference” from WSDs. Following initial evaluations last fall, Phase II WSD testing by the FCC began on Jan. 18, 2008. The purpose of this test program is to “[assess] the interference potential of such devices and establishing appropriate requirements,” the Commission says. In the current round of tests, prototype WSDs submitted by Adaptrum, Microsoft, Motorola, and Philips, will be field-tested to evaluate their performance under real world conditions. This phase of the tests is expected to last between two and three months. After WSD prototype tests have been completed to the FCC’s satisfaction, the Commission will set about defining a set of WSD operating rules. Once that happens, consumer electronics companies will begin moving forward in developing WSDs and bringing them to market.

A few years too late, but par for the course for the FCC if it ever gets approved and rolled out.