Announcing the Public Trial of our White Space System
Jesse Caulfield
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to announce the public
trial of our White Space System has begun.
As announced by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology in a Public Notice released on Monday, March 04, 2013, 2013 (DA 13-328) , we are conducting a 45-day public trial of our White Space database system from Monday, March 11, 2013 to Thursday, April 25, 201.
I personally invite and encourage all interested parties to test our White Space System and provide us with your feedback.
First, it is important to understand that the Key Bridge White Space System requires user authentication for all data input functions, but typically does not require user authentication for data access. This means that you must create a user account to access any registration forms on the System, but that anonymous public access is possible for all data inspection and survey applications.
Here is how to get started
If you wish to survey and inspect White Space availability simply point your browser to the White Space Portal at https://whitespace.keybridgeglobal.com. If you wish to register protected wireless services and facilities then select the 'Sign Up for Free' button on the Portal main page to create an account.
Introduction to the Key Bridge White Space System
The Key Bridge White Space System consists of two primary applications. These are Account Management and the White Space Portal.
The Key Bridge Account Management System provides a single centralized resource for user credential management. This is the starting point for all users to register their user name and password when creating a new Portal account. The Account Management System also supports secure password change and reset plus enables users to review an audit trail of their account history.
Account Management is located at: https://account.keybridgeglobal.com
The Key Bridge White Space Portal provides tools and utilities to help the public review and register protected wireless services operating within the United States, register unlicensed White Space devices operating as fixed infrastructure and at high-power, and learn more about spectrum occupancy and database-mediated spectrum sharing.
White Space Portal is located at: https://whitespace.keybridgeglobal.com
Identifying channels that are available for unlicensed White Space Devices
We have created two on-line resources than enable you to browse, evaluate and survey White Space channel availability or to study what-if scenarios.
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Spectrum Explorer
This application provides an excellent generalized spectrum occupancy overview with a simple and easy to use mapping system and direct cross-linking to the underlying wireless services. The Spectrum Explorer is available on the White Space portal under the [Explore] menu item.
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White Space Channel Calculator
This application calculates and presents a detailed list of every possible channel availability option at a given location, providing a comprehensive view of how channel availability varies at a given location for Fixed unlicensed devices based upon their antenna installation. White Space Channel Calculator is available on the White Space portal under the [Explore] menu item.
Registering protected wireless services and facilities
The Key Bridge White Space Portal includes a number of automated, interactive on-line forms to register licensed and authorized wireless services to receive interference protection from unlicensed White Space devices. Registration forms are streamlined and data driven. Most all reference information and option choices are automatically calculated and offered when you need them.
The registration overview page located under the [Register] menu item provides a direct link and further explanation for each forms functionality (sign in required).
Understanding and Using Licenses & Authorizations
One important thing to note about our system is that all registration activities on the Portal require the correct form of authorization. This is satisfied by the use of an FCC-issued call sign license or a self-certified authorization token (a "call sign equivalent").
You must import and enable an FCC-issued Call Sign or an approved Call Sign Equivalent prior to using that call sign in a registration form. To import and enable an FCC-issued authorization (call sign or equivalent) with your account you must either:
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Be a designated licensee in the original FCC application or grant or,
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Affirm that your are authorized to use the FCC-issued authorization.
Certain unlicensed registration activities may be completed using a Key Bridge-issued, self-certified Call Sign Equivalent on the Portal. For Registration activities that do not require an FCC-issues call sign or call sign equivalent you must still affirm that you are authorized to implement the activity on behalf or your organization. This is implemented through the self-certification process.
Call Signs and Equivalents may be imported or issued and enabled with the License Authorization utility located under the [Account] section of the Portal (sign in required).
Enabling white space devices to access the Key Bridge White Space System
It is NOT necessary to register or enable transportable or mobile unlicensed White Space radios (colloquially called Mode II devices) prior to operation. However, to enhance the security of our system and to ensure the stability, robustness and reliability of our services to you, Key Bridge requires that all unlicensed White Space Devices are identified (e.g. enabled) on our White Space System prior to receiving service. Other White Space systems and administrators may not have such restrictions.
This is done through the 'Enable Devices' option under the [Register] menu item. Sing in is not required to enable a White Space Device.
Enabling and registering unlicensed fixed white space devices
Unlicensed Fixed White Space Devices are authorized to operate at high power and on extended spectrum below Channel 21, but must be permanently installed and are not transportable. Registration of Fixed TV-band devices is described in 47 CFR 15.713 and implemented using the 'Register Networks' option under the [Register] menu item (sign in required).
Fixed devices are automatically enabled during the registration process.
Confirming protection of authorized services and registered facilities
I recommend using the Spectrum Explorer application to help you confirm that authorized services and registered facilities are correctly protected. For incumbent television stations simply search on a city or zip code then select the broadcasting channel of interest to view protected service contours.
To confirm that new registrations such as MVPD stations and wireless microphone facilities are correctly protected I recommend searching on the exact coordinates or street address of your operating location, then inspecting your channel(s) of interest. You may need to pan and zoom the map display to find your contour if your operating location is in a busy area.
Sending Feedback, Comments and Questions to Key Bridge
Do you have a question about some aspect of the Portal? What changes would you recommend? Is there something you'd like added? What additional functions and data can be integrated to make this Portal more productive and convenient?
We want to hear from you and have provided convenient forms under the [Support] menu item on the Portal for you to send us our feedback, comments and questions.
Additional Documentation and Resources
If you still have questions or want to learn about White Space spectrum sharing and related technologies please visit the extensive documentation section by selecting the 'Documentation' option under the [Support] menu item.
Thank you for helping to make this
public trial a success.
Jesse Caulfield, President
Key Bridge Global LLC
1600 Tysons Blvd., Suite 1100
McLean, VA 22102
Office: (703) 414-3500
Mobile: (202) 413-3635