The NAB said an "upbeat" executive summary does not jibe with a technical report released Wednesday by the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology.
The spectrum, known as white spaces, sits between broadcast TV channels, and will become available when broadcast TV stations switch from analog to digital next year.
Companies like Google, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft want the FCC to authorize use of the spectrum to allow wireless Internet services. These companies say it could be used for innovative new services. Broadcasters, telecoms, and wireless microphone companies fear that use of white spaces could interfere with nearby spectrum bands.
During a press conference Wednesday, Martin said the white spaces could be used as long as there's no interference with broadcasts. The NAB wants the commission to seek more public comment before moving forward on the issue, which is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 4.
Advocates of white space use were pleased with this week's results.
"This news should be greatly encouraging for American consumers," wrote Google's Richard Whitt. "The FCC now has more than enough information to develop appropriate rules that protect TV stations and wireless microphone users from harmful interference, while at the same time allowing innovators and entrepreneurs to develop technology that productively uses these airwaves."
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