Google, Others Keen On 'White Space'
Techtree News Staff, Aug 19, 2008 1815 hrs IST
Google believes opening up the white space spectrum to unlicensed use could offer a revolution in wireless Internet.
Google seems to be always in the hunt for newer ways to increase revenue. The latest attempt is the call for the usage of the vacant "white spaces" that have been left unused - thanks to the void left by the switch to digital television. White spaces are nothing but the unused "bands" of spectrum that have been left unlicensed. To make it simpler, we will quote the example that Google frequently mentions. "Remember that fuzzy static between channels on the old TVs? Today, more than three-quarters of those radio airwaves, or "white space" spectrum, are completely unused. This vast public resource could offer a revolution in wireless services of all kinds, including universal wireless Internet."
Google says it sees tremendous potential to increase Internet penetration to the masses - and to areas where broadband connectivity has not made inroads using this 'white space' spectrum. However, Google does admit a clear business interest in promoting this. Google's Minnie Ingersoll, Product Manager, Alternative Access Team, quips "When it comes to opening these airwaves, we believe the public interest is clear. But, we also want to be transparent about our involvement: Google has a clear business interest in expanding access to the web. There is no doubt that if these airwaves are opened up to unlicensed use, more people will be using the Internet. That's certainly good for Google, not to mention many of our industry peers, but we also think that it's good for consumers."
That said, Google seem to have found support from the likes of Intel, Motorola and Microsoft.
However, roadblocks in the form of the NAB (National Broadcasters Association) might just cause Google and party some headache. The NAB is vehemently opposing the proposal, citing wireless broadband interference with digital television transmissions, as the reason. It is already going strong with an advertising campaign to increase awareness amongst the masses on how digital picture and sound quality might be compromised by the usage of white spaces.
With the FCC all set to decide on this later this month, things should get interesting. Watch this space for more.
Source: Gigaom
VIEW ALL LATEST
Sony Ericsson C510 or 'Filipa'
News > Gadgets , December 05, 2008 1835 hrs IST
Mysterious as ever ...
Mumbaikars Love Shopping Online
News > Internet , December 05, 2008 1825 hrs IST
Don't we all... ...
Sony May Come Out With Netbook
News > Consumer Electronics , December 05, 2008 1818 hrs IST
Getting set to become a netbook manufacturer ...
HyperX DDR3 RAM For Notebooks
News > Hardware , December 05, 2008 1715 hrs IST
Kingston launches modules with clock speed of 1066MHz and priced at $228 ...
Tekken 6: Game Preview
News > Gaming , December 05, 2008 1809 hrs IST
Slated for August 2009 release ...
MOST REQUESTED REVIEWS
Google NEWS
|
Little 'Bad Stuff' on YouTubeRevises content policy |
|
T-Mobile G1: Your Cold Virus TrackerNew program predicts cold outbreaks |
|
Google Desktop Gets Gmail GadgetWorks with version 5 and higher |
Google REVIEWS
|
Google Picasa 2.5 Image EditorReviews | Software | Graphics and Multimedia | 08 Oct 2006 Google Picasa 2.5 Image Editor is designed for amateur photographers to satisfy... |
|
Google Desktop Search 1.0 BetaReviews | Software | System Tools | 17 Oct 2004 If there is one IT company that has changed the way we surf the Internet,... |
Google USER REVIEWS
Internet NEWS
|
Mumbaikars Love Shopping OnlineDon't we all... |
|
Koobface Wriggles Into FacebookMalicious code via 'You look funny in this video' message hits Facebook |
|
New Look Google ReaderVisual clutter removed and multiple bundled feeds added |
Internet REVIEWS
|
Opera 9.5 - Now leaner and meaner!Reviews | Software | Internet | 13 Jul 2008 Opera is more than just a browser. It's a browser, email client, rss reader,... |
|
Firefoxing away to Version 3Reviews | Software | Internet | 06 Jul 2008 The enhancements to the latest version though not revolutionary are certainly... |
|
Tata Indicom Plug 2 SurfReviews | Peripherals | Networking | 11 Oct 2007 One internet connection device for your laptop as well as desktop PC |
Internet USER REVIEWS
|
BSNL Broadband Service BSNL Broadband ReviewInternet | BSNL Broadband Service | Sun, 24 Jun 2007 If you're contemplating on getting a new broadband service for yourself, and... |
|
TATA INDICOM BROADBANDInternet | TATA INDICOM | Tue, 27 Mar 2007 |
MOST POPULAR NEWS
|
Could A DVR Save Your Marriage?News | Consumer Electronics | 04 Sep 2008 ...Or should you stick to your shrink? |
|
Firefox Counters Chrome's Speed TestAccording to Mozilla's SunSpider test, Firefox 3.1 is 28% faster than Chrome on ... |
|
Nokia N96 for Rs. 40,000?False alarm everyone... We have learnt from Nokia that the N96 will be priced be... |
MOST POPULAR REVIEWS
MOST POPULAR GAMES
MOST POPULAR DOWNLOADS
|
Forbidden.exe |
|
md5deepDownloads | System Tools | 04 Sep 2008 |
|
RivaTunerDownloads | System Tools | 03 Sep 2008 |
