A new prototype 'white space' device tested by the Federal Communications Commission last week failed, losing power during the FCC's second round of testing. The incident follows a July 2007 FCC report, which concluded that sample prototype 'white space' devices did not accurately detect broadcast signals and caused interference to TV broadcasting and wireless microphones.

"They were running some tests on it, and it just stopped working," Ian Ferrell, director of wireless incubation for Microsoft, told TRDaily, which first reported the device failure late Friday. The full text from TRDaily is below. The power failure was also vaguely addressed in a February 7 ex parte filed by Edmond Thomas, senior technology policy adviser to the White Spaces Coalition.

Commenting on the matter, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton said, "By failing two out of two tests at the FCC, Microsoft and the Wireless Innovation Alliance have demonstrated that unlicensed devices are not ready for prime time." For more information on this press release please go to the NAB Newsroom.