Google Gunning for Usage of ‘White Space’ in TV Spectrum for WiFi

After losing out on the 700 MHz spectrum bid that is in reality a major victory for Google in getting mobile devices open to applications from various vendors, Google is now gunning for the white spaces between the TV frequencies.

In a letter sent to the FCC, Google has asked for utilization of the unused and unlicensed white space for once in a life time opportunity to provide free wireless internet connectivity solutions.

Google is aggressively trying to take wireless internet to the masses. More users means more content which would mean more search for relevant content. There are certain
issues in the way of getting the spectrum ready for wireless internet, chief among them being opposition from TV operators who argue that using the frequencies could cause interference with the other television signals.

An excerpt from BusinessWeek:

In a March 21 letter, Google outlined the benefits of auctioning the unused television irwaves in real time to wireless Internet providers and others. Google’s proposed “dynamic auction”, which sounds similar to search ad auctions, would allow WiFi providers to bid on elevision signal airwaves that are currently not in use, awarding the space to the highest bidder at the time.
Google argues that opening up the “white space” would greatly expand Internet access and the capacity of Internet services. “This would be akin to a faster, longer range, higher data rate WiFi service — WiFi 2.0 if you will,” wrote Richard S. Whitt, Google’s Washington Telecom and Media Counsel.

Google is counting on use of spectrum sensing technologies to minimize the impact of interference with other signals. With its upcoming Android platform, expect more from the Mountain View firm as it seeks to make wireless internet accessible ubiquitous across devices. Making the accessibility of the spectrum for third party applications was a major victory for Google. The measure has the potential for getting a lot more applications in to the mobile application space.

With mobile devices the interface and the functionality has stark differences as opposed to software on the internet accessed via devices with more screen real estate. The limitations on the user interface front and the display area imply that a lot more room is there in innovation such as seen in the iPhone. Use of gestures of user navigation were one such development. Making anytime anywhere internet available on devices will be a precursor to an era of applications running off the Web and delivering optimized to the device that the user chooses. And the 24×7 availability of services means that there is more to be squeezed out from an ad-supported business model.

Arun on March 27, 2008 Subscribe to our RSS Feed