Google, Microsoft and Others Propose Use of "White Space" to FCC

Google today proposed to the FCC an enhanced system that would allow the portion of the spectrum between analog broadcast channels to be used without interference. This so called "white space" has been left unused out of worries over interference with adjacent television channels and wireless microphones. Google proposes a new system that will "eliminate any remaining legitimate concerns about the merits of using the white space for unlicensed personal/portable devices."

Less than two weeks ago Bill Gates also urged communications regulators to free up white space for broadband use. Google and Microsoft are part of a coalition that has been lobbying the FCC to allow the use of the white space spectrum. Others in the group include Dell, Hewlett Packard, Intel and Philips Electronics.

The idea is to use the white space for Wi-Fi to expand wireless broadband service. Gates is "hopeful that that will be made available so that Wi-Fi can explode in terms of its usage, even out into some of these less dense areas (of the United States) where distance has been a big problem for Wi-Fi." The fear is that unlicensed devices will be faulty and interfere with television broadcasts. Dennis Wharton, spokesman of the National Association of Broadcasters, believes "broadband penetration could be drastically improved through a fixed, licensed service without interference to TV reception. Unfortunately, Microsoft continues to push for an unlicensed technology that simply does not work."

The FCC is currently testing prototype devices to see whether or not they actually cause interference.

[via Reuters]

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