Microsoft and Philips Electronics submitted tests to the Federal Communications Commission on Friday which they say prove that wireless devices using spectrum intertwined with that used by television broadcasters can operate without the risk of interference.
The companies, along with several other electronics firms, have been lobbying the FCC to authorize the use of spectrum, known as white spaces, to support mobile devices used to access the Internet via a wireless broadband connection.
A previous round of tests in July by FCC engineers of prototype devices had been a partial failure, as the unit submitted by Microsoft was broken. At the time, Microsoft said the device itself was faulty, rather than anything being inherently wrong with the concept of using the white spaces spectrum.
A Philips prototype had been successful in avoiding television signals at that time. Philips Electronics is owned by the Netherlands' Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (PHG).
The results of the tests by the companies' engineers said they vindicated the notion that the devices could work.
"We encourage the FCC to pursue its own field measurements to corroborate our successful testing, even though it may require the Commission to extend its timeline for approving these devices for a couple of months," said Ed Thomas, technology policy advisor at Microsoft in a statement.
A majority of FCC commissioners, including Chairman Kevin Martin, have publicly supported the use of white spaces spectrum, as long as its use is proved to be safe.
Those in favor of the use of the white spaces spectrum argue that it is the only way to extend wireless broadband service to rural parts of the U.S. where it isn't economic for existing wireless companies to offer service.