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November 21, 2008 11:46:40 AM CST

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Google Still Wants Unused TV 'White Space' for Wireless Web

Posted Mar 24, 08 4:25 PM CDT in Technology 

(Newser) – Google is re-doubling its efforts to get the FCC to allow the development of unused space in the TV spectrum for wireless Internet service, the Wall Street Journal reports. "The vast majority of viable spectrum in this country simply goes unused," the tech giant wrote to the commission. "There is no benefit to allowing this spectrum to lie fallow." TV broadcasters, fearful of interference, oppose the co-opting of the white space.

Google argues that the unused spectrum—known as “white space”—provides a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide ubiquitous wireless broadband access to all Americans." The firm added that the new Internet firms drawn to the spectrum will provide “much-needed competition” for existing providers. Recent failures of test devices made by Microsoft have reinforced broadcasters counter-arguments.

Source Wall Street Journal

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The logo of Google, seen on the front door of the new Google Engineering center in Zurich, Switzerland, in this March 6, 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Walter Bier, file)
The reception desk is shown at Google's New York offices in this Jan. 31, 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin lostens during a hearing on localism, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, at the FCC headquarters in Washington.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
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Google • FCC • Wi-Fi • Internet service providers • unused spectrum • TV 'white space' • spectrum


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