Google tells FCC of 'white space' airwave plans

Proposes using the airwaves between broadcast channels for mobile broadband services
Google Inc. today gave U.S. regulators a proposal for allowing the airwaves between broadcast channels to be used for mobile broadband services.

In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, Google said it would propose an enhanced system to prevent wireless devices operating in the so-called white space from interfering with adjacent television channels and wireless microphones.

Google said the enhancements "will eliminate any remaining legitimate concerns about the merits of using the white space for unlicensed personal/portable devices."

The FCC is testing equipment to see if it can use the white-space spectrum without interfering with TV broadcasts.

The filing comes less than two weeks after Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates urged the FCC to free up the white-space spectrum so it could be used to expand access to wireless broadband services using Wi-Fi technology.

Google and Microsoft are part of a coalition of technology companies that has been lobbying the FCC to allow unlicensed use of white-space spectrum. The group also includes Dell Inc., Intel Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. and the North American unit of Philips Electronics.

However, the idea is opposed by U.S. broadcasters and makers of wireless microphones, which fear that the devices would cause interference.

A proposal being studied by the FCC would create two categories of users for the airwaves: one for low-power, personal, portable devices; and a second group for fixed commercial operations.

The proposal would require that the devices include technology to identify unused spectrum and avoid interference.
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