Google wants Wi-Fi on TV spectrum

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 25 Mar 2008 at 08:17

Google has submitted plans to allow the airwaves between broadcast channels to be used for mobile broadband services in the US.

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

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

The FCC is currently testing equipment to see if it can make use of the white space spectrum without interfering with television 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 Wi-Fi access.

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. However, the idea is opposed by US broadcasters and makers of wireless microphones, who fear 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.