Google and Microsoft Clash with Broadcasters over New Wireless Technology

Press Release - March 21, 2007

Google, Microsoft, and a number of other U.S.-based technology companies are meeting with resistance from television broadcasters in their quest to deliver broadband internet access over unused TV airwaves.

The technology consortium is seeking FCC approval for a wireless broadband services using the unlicensed airwaves known as “white space,” that is channels 2 to 51 on televisions not connected to a cable or satellite service.

“This is some prime spectrum real estate,” commented Ben Scott, a policy director for a non-partisan public interest research group known as Free Press, which supports the tech giants’ proposal. Scott referred to the proposed service as “Wi-Fi on steroids,” and said that it could be used to deliver high-speed internet access in rural regions at a fraction of the cost of DSL or cable.

The National Association of Broadcasters, however, is urging the FCC to exercise extreme caution in approving such a plan, claiming that it could impact aerial TV reception for some users.

“If (the technology companies) are wrong, once those devices get introduced that means that people won’t be able to get clear television pictures,” explained NAB spokesman, Dennis Wharton.

The FCC is currently testing a prototype device submitted by the technology consortium, and will likely be looking for proof that the proposed wireless broadband offering would not interfere with existing services.