Saturday, 23 August 2008
Google, Others Keen On 'White Space'
Google believes opening up the white space spectrum to unlicensed use could offer a revolution in wireless Internet.
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Google seems to be always in the hunt for newer ways to increase revenue. The latest attempt is the call for the usage of the vacant "white spaces" that have been left unused - thanks to the void left by the switch to digital television. White spaces are nothing but the unused "bands" of spectrum that have been left unlicensed. To make it simpler, we will quote the example that Google frequently mentions. "Remember that fuzzy static between channels on the old TVs? Today, more than three-quarters of those radio airwaves, or "white space" spectrum, are completely unused. This vast public resource could offer a revolution in wireless services of all kinds, including universal wireless Internet."
Google says it sees tremendous potential to increase Internet penetration to the masses - and to areas where broadband connectivity has not made inroads using this 'white space' spectrum. However, Google does admit a clear business interest in promoting this. Google's Minnie Ingersoll, Product Manager, Alternative Access Team, quips "When it comes to opening these airwaves, we believe the public interest is clear. But, we also want to be transparent about our involvement: Google has a clear business interest in expanding access to the web. There is no doubt that if these airwaves are opened up to unlicensed use, more people will be using the Internet. That's certainly good for Google, not to mention many of our industry peers, but we also think that it's good for consumers."
That said, Google seem to have found support from the likes of Intel, Motorola and Microsoft.
However, roadblocks in the form of the NAB (National Broadcasters Association) might just cause Google and party some headache. The NAB is vehemently opposing the proposal, citing wireless broadband interference with digital television transmissions, as the reason. It is already going strong with an advertising campaign to increase awareness amongst the masses on how digital picture and sound quality might be compromised by the usage of white spaces.
With the FCC all set to decide on this later this month, things should get interesting. Watch this space for more.
Source: Gigaom
Posted by at 3:48 PM in Links Crawl