Google suggests off-limit channels in unused TV spectrum for wireless mics, medical telemetry devices
Late last Friday, Google made a filing with the FCC to set aside TV channels 36 to 38 for the so-called white space (unused TV spectrum) devices to avoid spectrum interference, but also to promote the use of the white space spectrum for wireless communication devices that could use its Android open source mobile platform to "provide uniquely low-cost mobile broadband coverage for all Americans."
Hello gPhone, goodbye iPhone.
This would break the hold of the big cellphone carriers, which Walt Mossberg refers to as the "Soviet ministries."
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) voiced their concern about TV signal interference.
This move would also serve the public safety community by providing coverage for under-deployed rural areas, and for first responders. And, it would provide a safe harbor for medical telemetry devices by having them use channel 37.
Google is also suggesting that the FCC adopt two spectrum sensing technologies: geo-location and beacon, which would sense which channels are open to help prevent interference.
Dell and Microsoft are also promoting the use of white space spectrum.
IEEE 802.22 is a new working group of IEEE 802 LAN/MAN standards committee which aims at constructing Wireless Regional Area Network (WRAN) utilizing white spaces (channels that are not already used) in the allocated TV frequency spectrum.
"White Spaces Coalition" on Wikipedia:
The White Spaces Coalition consists of eight large technology companies that plan to deliver high speed broadband internet access to consumers via existing 'white space' in unused analog television frequencies. The coalition claims that broadband access is expected to be available at speeds of 10 Mbyte/s and above, and 50 to 100 Mbyte/s for white space short-range networking. The group includes Microsoft, Google, Dell, HP, Intel, Philips, Earthlink, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics.
Others reporting:
GigaOm: Google’s White Space Proposal
Google revives push to get free airwaves
Google suggests safe harbor for wireless mics
Google unveils "white space" airwaves plans
Other groups:
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