The FCC recently began (pdf) another round of "White Space" broadband testing on January 24. A six-partner coalition (including Microsoft, Google and Dell) named the Wireless Innovation Alliance wants to use the so-called "white space" spectrum -- partially freed by the migration to digital television -- to offer un-served consumers Internet access via the airwaves.

The companies submitted a device for testing to the FCC last year, but tests showed the device was unable to play nice (pdf) with nearby wireless signals.

Shortly after the test, the coalition stated that their prototype malfunctioned, and that they do have a working model. Groups like the National Association of Broadcasters, likely feeling threatened by the new potential broadcast capabilities of the technology, have been very vocal opponents of the plan, insisting to anyone who'll listen that the devices will create wireless armageddon.

So when the device recently ran into trouble again during a second round of testing, the NAB was quick to declare the idea a failure. But the White Spaces Coalition insists that the power problems the device encountered have nothing to do with its ability to detect and avoid nearby spectrum. The group is essentially suggesting that NAB shut up until device testing can be completed, which should take only a couple additional weeks.