Sports Technology Alliance print ads push white space concerns

The Sports Technology Alliance formed by SVG, its members (a contingent of the leading sports leagues) and in association with MSTV, launched an advertising campaign on Tuesday in the face of the ongoing FCC proceedings that will consider rules for permitting unlicensed portable devices to operate on the TV spectrum. The print ad which will be running in Capitol Hill publications for the next few weeks are focused on protecting the use of the “white spaces” for the sports production community. The NAB, which is concerned about interference with over-the-air programming, is running TV spots and print ads over the same period. To see the advertisement click here.

The FCC has a timetable that could lead to it adopting rules for operating personal portable unlicensed devices in the TV “white spaces” spectrum by October and start certifying portable devices that meet its technical requirements. However, in late July the FCC gave failing grades to prototype devices submitted by a consumer high-technology coalition that represents that their new devices will encourage rural broadband and spur innovation.

MSTV President Davis Donovan who represents major broadcasters has repeatedly stated that the new technology just does not work. He says that interference would be difficult to track down and eliminate and will cause major problems for broadcasting and wireless microphones. The message of the sports production community is that the TV “white spaces” spectrum is being used extensively and let’s not interfere with that until all parties are sure that any new portable devices are fully tested and it is proven that they will not interfere with live sports broadcasts.