FCC Gives 'White Spaces' to Wireless

Decision to open spectrum a big victory for Google, tech giants

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2008 4:00 AM CST

(Newser) – The FCC has voted to open up an unused chunk of TV airwaves for the delivery of wireless broadband services, Bloomberg reports. The ruling is a huge victory for Google and other technology giants, who backed the measure against fierce opposition from broadcasters. The tech firms say the plan will expand broadband access across America and spawn a wave of innovative new devices.

"The FCC decided to put science over politics," said Google co-founder Larry Page, who promised the decision would create "WiFi on steroids." Broadcasters and entertainers who use wireless microphones have argued that devices using the “white spaces” will create interference, but the FCC has ruled that the new gadgets must be fitted with anti-interference technology.

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Technology companies say the decision to free up unused parts of the radio spectrum will lead to a wave of innovative new WiFi devices. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The FCC has voted to open up a disputed slice of radio spectrum for public use. (©bmsimpianti)

Dolly Parton was a fierce opponent of freeing up the 'white spaces.' She and many others in the entertainment world argued it would play havoc with wireless microphones. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

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For years the broadcasting lobby and others have tried to spread fear and confusion about this technology, rather than allow the FCC's engineers to simply do their work.'' - Google co-founder Larry Page

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FCC Gives 'White Spaces' to Wireless