Should You Sign Google's 'White Space' Petition?
Google announced this morning a new Web site called FreetheAirWaves.com, which promotes use of what Google calls "TV white space" -- unused frequencies in the range traditionally designated for TV channels. Google wants to transform this range from licensed, like TV (where networks are granted exclusivity to a specific channel) to unlicensed, like Wi-Fi where anyone can use it. Google executives call it "WI-FI ON STEROIDS."
11:30 AM * PERMALINK * 1 comments
Comments:
"White Space" is a misnomer. While individual broadcast television channels may not have a television broadcast station transmitting on them in a given city, all broadcast license holders are licensed to use them for wireless microphones -- so-called "Part 74" devices. These frequencies are NOT unused!
There have been several tests of "white space" devices, and so far they have always failed to detect licensed users of the spectrum. If someday there were devices that truly would not cause interference to licensed users, great! But we're far from being there now...
Don't get me wrong -- I'm not a luddite, and was actively involved in the early packet radio experimentation over amateur radio that, in part, led to our current plethora of wireless digital devices. But just because something sounds wonderful when described by its enthusiasts, especially if they have a financial interest in it, doesn't mean you're hearing the whole story.
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