Google lobbies for 'white space' Wi-Fi

26 March 2008

Google has written an open letter to US broadcast regulators, asking them to free up parts of the analogue TV frequency range for public Wi-Fi.

The search company says that the unused frequency ranges, which separate and prevent interference between analogue TV channels, will be unnecessary when the US makes the switch to digital TV in February 2009.

In an open letter sent on Friday to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Google argues that the so-called 'white spaces' could be used to bring "ubiquitous wireless broadband access to all Americans".

The unused frequency blocks are within the 54 megahertz (MHz) to 698MHz range, and thus have a longer wavelength than domestic wireless networks that use the unregulated 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) band. They have a longer range, are less affected by obstacles, and allow a much higher data bandwidth.

Google has joined with other technology companies including Microsoft, Dell and Intel in the White Spaces Coalition, which has been actively lobbying the FCC to open up the frequencies.

Although Google says it has no plans to construct a public wireless network, phones using its Android operating system would be able to access one. American TV broadcasters currently oppose the plan, fearing that use of the white spaces will interfere with TV signals.

Category: Google