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Google Readies for Spectrum Showdown

As TV goes digital, tech giants, broadcasters vie for unused space

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 9:49 AM CDT

(Newser) – Google has launched an aggressive campaign to free up the soon-to-be-emptied "white spaces" of the TV spectrum for Internet devices and broadband access, the San Jose Mercury News reports. The spaces will open up when TV switches entirely to digital in February. Google and other tech giants are hotly disputing use of the spaces with broadcasters.

Google is using a grassroots-style Web campaign to rally public support ahead of the FCC's decision, expected within months. The broadcasting industry, meanwhile, is urging TV viewers to ask Congress and the FCC to oppose the initiative. Says the head of a nonprofit that's cast its lot with Google: "We're looking beyond the chess game inside the Beltway to what the real needs of people are."

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TV broadcasting shifts entirely to digital in February next year, freeing up big chunks of unused spectrum space. ((c) SqueakyMarmot)

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin gestures during a news conference in Washington, Monday Aug. 18, 2008, to announce the launch of a national tour to help consumers prepare for the transition to digital TV. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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Google launches "Free The Airwaves" effort To open FCC airwaves. (bretttabke)

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We have a clear business interest in this, along with our business peers. - Minnie Ingersoll, a product manager for Google

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Google Readies for Spectrum Showdown