Declaration Networks Group and Microsoft struck a deal to bring broadband connectivity to rural western Maryland and Virginia’s eastern shore. The partnership announced Tuesday is part of Microsoft’s Rural Airband Initiative, which is controversial because it uses a combination of TV White Spaces, (the frequencies between full-power television channels) fixed wireless and satellite.
Microsoft says its initiative can cut the upfront capital and operating costs by roughly 80 percent, compared to the cost of using fiber cables alone and by approximately 50 percent, compared to the cost of current fixed wireless technology. It called for the FCC to immediately reserve one UHF channel in each market for this purpose when it proposed Airband last year.
NAB and the National Translator Association say at the very least, the Commission should wait until after the television channel repack is complete to re-allocate TV White Spaces because there won’t be enough spectrum to accommodate all of television’s needs. Microsoft describes the white spaces as vacant, Inside Towers reported. NAB and NTA say this is inaccurate, because they are occupied by 3,776 licensed UHF and VHF translators, and 1,968 licensed UHF and VHF low power TV stations. Both the associations have pointed out to the Commission, that Microsoft could have participated in the 600 MHz auction if it wanted such spectrum.
The areas getting the rural broadband because of the DNG/Microsoft deal, meanwhile, are thrilled. The arrangement calls for a three-year build-out to deliver broadband to about 65,000 people to Accomack and Northampton Counties in Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland. Eastern Shore native Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, said: “Connecting rural communities will help create jobs, grow our economy and improve our quality of life.” Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said, “Reliable access to high-speed internet is critical for Maryland’s small businesses, families and students to thrive in our 21st century economy.”
April 25, 2018
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