Internet Access Over Unused TV Airwaves Rejected By Government

Google, Microsoft, and Dell are behind a technology that would carry internet access over so-called "white spaces" that are, in essence, unused TV airwaves. The FCC said, in an 85 page report, that the proposed device could not reliably detect unused TV spectrum.

Edmond Thomas, former chief engineer for the FCC and representative of the technology coalition which, in addition to the aforementioned companies, also includes Hewlett-Packard Co., Intel Corp., EarthLink Inc. and Philips Electronics North America, said the companies are convinced the spectrum can be used without causing interference to TV and wireless microphone signals. "We intend to work with the FCC in order to identify the discrepancies in their tests with the tests we've done."
The technology coalition believes that unlicensed and unused TV airwaves, also known as "white spaces," would make Internet service accessible and affordable, especially in rural areas and also spur innovation. On the other hand, TV broadcasters oppose usage of white spaces, fearing that the device will cause interference with television programming and could cause problems with a federally mandated transition from analog to digital signals in February 2009.

No comment yet from the companies on how they plan to proceed after the rejection.