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Google Guru Prods FCC Over Wi-Fi

"White space" would increase wireless Internet access

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2008 11:46 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Google co-founder Larry Page urged Congress and the FCC this week to open up access to unused television airwaves to broaden the reach of wireless Internet. Page asserted that the unused waves, called "white space," would increase Wi-Fi range in rural areas and help provide Internet capability to the entire country, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Groups such as wireless microphone manufacturers and sports leagues are protesting the  use of white space because it may interfere with their equipment. The FCC is silent on whether it will license the unused TV waves, and will likely wait for companies to present a device that causes no disruptions before making a decision. Page said such a device is on its way. "I bet 100% that it will happen. It's just a question of what year it happens in," he said.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left, talks with Google co-founder Larry Page, right.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left, talks with Google co-founder Larry Page, right.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Google co-founder Larry Page appears onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 in New York.
Google co-founder Larry Page appears onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Google co-founder Larry Page smiles at news conference at Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., Tuesday, June 12, 2007.
Google co-founder Larry Page smiles at news conference at Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., Tuesday, June 12, 2007.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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FCC decision could come in weeks
BusinessWeek

Google public policy blog
Google Public Policy Blog

 
Google • Internet • Larry Page • FCC • wireless • airwaves • white space • WiFi • Federal Communications Commission

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