Google pushes the FCC for white space access, will offer free reference designs to others
By Nilay Patel 
posted Mar 24th 2008 12:42PM
posted Mar 24th 2008 12:42PM
The 700MHz auction is over, but that doesn't mean the days of high-stakes spectrum drama have come to a close -- just like we'd heard, Google today began a renewed push for white space internet. Backed by Microsoft, Philips, Dell, HP and others, white space transmissions are designed to fit in between TV signals on channels 2-51, but there's just one little problem -- the stuff doesn't really work yet. That's all about to change, according to Google: the company says it's done its own testing and will submit a proposal for an enhanced system to the FCC soon -- hmm, that could explain that secret test 700MHz network on the Google campus we've been hearing about, no? What's more, in an effort to open up the white space market and bring some competition to the broadband scene, Google says it's willing to provide free technical assistance and reference designs to other would-be white space providers wanting to get in on the action -- sort of like white space Android. Of course, all of this hinges on the FCC actually approving the tech, but if the 700MHz open-access drama showed us anything, it's that Google is pretty adept at playing the system to get what it wants from Uncle Sam.
And why should we trust Google?
Cuz Google Maps on the damn CrackBerrys probably saved my life dozens of times.
This is weirdly like the Passion of the Christ.
Not to force religion on all you overly-sensitive types, but think about it.
Google loses the 700MHz auction; AT&T wins, everyone thinks it's the end of the world.
On the third day Google pops up with this, right on Easter.
Ok, Easter was yesterday, but who works on a Sunday?
Because they are putting themselves on the line to see this succeed as well. They are developing technologies, offering support and all with the hope to see this project succeed, not make money. I can't think of a better reason TO trust them.
+1 for Google!!
I'll Trust Google for doing more good than our Government. Getting Wifi to everyone rich and poor and middle class will help. There are some people who can't afford computers might be able to get an Asus EEPC or something similar and use Wifi to help them get a job or be productive. I hope the FCC listens to google, oh wait this america
I'm glad to see Google willing to take the lead here AND provide some incentive for others to join in as well. Knowing that Google has done the initial work and is willing to share with potential providers will only increase the number of interested parties, and in turn, increase the clamor to the FCC to allow this to be a reality. Well-played Google.
Google alone won't be sufficient to convince the FCC. Verizon is going to be paying billions of dollars for spectrum, they will feel ripped off over this white space thing. I reckon they would sue saying the auction was in bad faith because suddenly the spectrum they paid for is worth less. Is the FCC going to be willing toi give them their money back (billions of dollars)?
So if people want this, they're probably going to have to join in lobbying the FCC cause Google alone prolly won't be enough.
Tell me where to lobby and I'll be there!
I do think that this is a GREAT solution to the broadband problem in America.
And I do agree I'd rather have Google than the Gov solve this problem.
Maybe we can move up from #16 on the 'broadband' list.
It was a blind auction. If Google was at the top of the list they would of had to pony up the money. They also weren't the only one in the game.
It still seems like Google did a lot of background work to get a lot for nothing. I am still not a big user of Google, but I like the idea behind this. Maybe if they will just go to Verizon and cut a deal with them instead of the FCC they will be better off. I am just wanted to see what the 700 Mhz bandwidth is going to end up being. *Prepares for the worst, hopes for the best*
Why should they go to Verizon, who will no doubt want some money out of it, when it was in the auction that should the mhz bidding go over a certain price a part of it has to go open. I assume you think Verizon isn't going to stand for this, but remember, it's not just Google behind this project now.
Granted Verizon said some of it will be open, which is exactly were Google is trying to get in at. But if add in the Google Android project (Cell phone OS), then making a deal with Verizon to help them out with implementation of the network would be a smart move in my opinion.
This time around, I'm not to weary of Google. It seems to me that they're trying to develop (utilize, really) a whole new medium for Internet/cellular network access. It seems like they're getting real serious about this Android stuff. Think about it: an entirely new software platform on an entirely new medium. This could have potential, potentially...
It's easy to outsmart the dim-witted carriers.
Can some one explain what this means "Backed by Microsoft, Philips, Dell, HP” isn’t this a conflict of interest, and since when Microsoft backs anything Google does?
When it can provide them an open playground to play in....who won't?...oh wait...that would be Apple.
http://wirelessinnovationalliance.org/index.cfm?objectid=A25E1FC0-F1F6-6035-B3635EA7D5386BE0
A thought. Why the heck didn't this alliance pool some money and buy up the auctioned 700Mhz spectrum? The names in that group have a metric crap ton of money behind their name.
I mean Microsoft, Google, Dell, and HP alone could have ponied up enough to win.
Instead they are "pushing". Granted I guess in this case they don't need to setup the infrastructure....oh well I'm still bitter V and A (should be called VD.)won and the consumers of this country lost.
Whatever.
-->| |
LOL, it looks like certain characters get trimmed. So here's my white space reference design, again (it's patented)...
| |
WOOO go Google! Can't wait to see what happens. The government can't live without Google :P
Support this if you want to listen to static at the next concert you go to! Google is trying to use the frequencies used by most wireless mics. See http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/PressRoom/WhiteSpaces/index.htm.
I'm not trying to bash Google here, but I think this would also help Google further extend it's advertising network across America to put some more profit into Google as well.
Not that it's bad for a company to do that, but some people might think some companies just do "supporting the community/people" projects as a way of making the company look like the nice guy.
That's what some people would think.
To those of you who may not know the entire story (this has only recently come on the FCC's radar screen and is WAY off the mainstream media's): The so-called "white-space" parts of the spectrun Google and others wish to operate their magic little devices in, are currently used by a rather large population of wireless microphones. No, wireless microphones are not just for karaoke, but have been in use for decades in a variety of professional, commercial and institutional applications. This includes use in everything from sporting events, broadway shows, conference centers, conventions, political rallies, churches, colleges, theme parks, live concerts, film production and not least of all-broadcast television. These include the clip-on style mics used by your friendly news anchor and the hand-held vocal mics used by Cher, Britney, Madonna and the whole performance crowd, to say nothing of the pastor at your local church, or students doing a college stage production. The point is, the reason the FCC is dragging Google & Co, through the mud, is that they have yet to prove that their wireless devices will not have a devastaing impact on the use of wireless microphones, which occupy the same spectrum. Had the FCC gone ahead and granted their blessing, a critical audio production tool used in the venues mentioned above, would virtually cease to function. That would not only be vastly dissappointing to the masses of performers and audiences alike, but would have a crippling effect on our economy. Since historically, these devices have functioned as unlicensed devices under Part 15 & Part 74 rules, the FCC didn't really ever pay much attention to them. The millions of users of these wireless mics do not have the money to buy chunks of spectrum as do large corporations like ATT, Microsoft, etc... , so they are therefore at the "mercy" of the open air waves. Also, bear in mind, these are not $50-100 throw away consumer devices like cell-phones. These are complex, multi-unit, multi-channel systems (often as as many as 4- or 50 operating in one venue, each on a seperate frequency) and representing thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars in investment. If not for a concerned group of wireless users and manufacturers makaing some noise, so the FCC could hear, this would have been a done deal. The technology Google, etc... was to develop, is supposed to operate "intelligently", and in a way that does not interfere with other devices, including wireless mics. So far, their attempts have failed disasterously and the FCC has sent them back to the drawing board several times. So...If all of you want to suddenly turn on the news or a sports event, watch your favorite TV show (yes, even the Sopranos, American Idol and Desperate Houswife's use wireless microphones) only to discover that either a) the sound suddenly sucks or b) the show is no longer broadcasting. Or... cannot get tickets to a broadway show or concert because they simply "cannot go on", you may want to think twice about blindly supporting Google or having the FCC rush through this without serious consideration.