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White spaces: Google's master plan

Back in December, Google joined a coalition of technology companies, public interest and consumer groups, civil rights organizations, think tanks, and higher education groups to launch the Wireless Innovation Alliance to promote the benefits that "white spaces" can bring to consumers. Other members of the Alliance include Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft. Today their vision takes another step closer to becoming reality. What are white spaces, you ask? Google's Public Policy blog describes it nicely:

Remember how, before cable and satellite TV became ubiquitous in our homes, we would have to turn the VHF dial on our old televisions to watch local channels? NBC might have been on channel 3, CBS on 10, and ABC on 17. And between those channels...was static.

Those spaces still remain largely unused. However, an idea was raised to take portions of that TV spectrum--the "white spaces"--and use them to expand internet access. Think WiFi 2.0 or WiFi on steroids as Google has begun to call it. Google submitted a proposal to the FCC on Friday, saying that by freeing the white spaces spectrum, "consumers will be able to enjoy robust access to the Internet, including the ability to download and utilize any lawful applications or content that is desired." Google claims to have a plan--one that will result in Americans across the country surfing the web on handheld gadgets at gigabits-per-second speeds by the 2009 holiday season. Broadcasters strongly oppose this move with claims that operating mobile devices in the TV spectrum is bound to cause interference. Google counters these claims and even offered up working prototype devices for the FCC to test. Ars Technica has this to say on the issue:

Since its inception last year, the white spaces project has seen its fair share of controversy. Prototype devices submitted to the FCC have not performed as hoped, with some of the blame due to broken hardware. The FCC is currently testing prototype devices capable of sensing the presence of digital TV and other transmissions, including those of wireless microphones. Testing is scheduled to continue throughout this week.

This is what will happen to your digital TV picture if white space broadband becomes a reality, according to the NAB Broadcasters have seized upon every testing hiccup to argue that the white spaces should be left alone. The National Association of Broadcasters, in particular, is bitterly opposed to allowing unlicensed broadband service in the white spaces. Last month, the group said that the hardware problems experienced by the White Space Coalition's devices "vindicates beyond doubt the interference concerns expressed by broadcasters, sports leagues, wireless microphone companies, and theater operators."

Nevertheless, Google and the Alliance are moving forward with their plans. "The future is now," Google concludes. "The value of the TV white space to all Americans simply is too great to allow this unique opportunity to be blocked by unfounded fear, uncertainty, and doubt." BoardBuzz looks forward to a more open wireless world where wireless access is not limited to hotspots, cell networks, and expensive contracts (can you say iPhone?). However, we can only imagine the impact this will have on schools--both positive and negative. What do you think? Will this be the birth of high-bandwidth, affordable, ubiquitous wireless internet services? It could be welcoming news in the face of the waning hopes for wireless cities as the New York Times reports.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on March 25, 2008 (boomark / email).