Google's new ploy

Just as it played a major role influencing the outcome of the 700 MHz auction — despite not winning any spectrum — Google recently called for unlicensed over-the-air TV spectrum, known as white space, to be used for broadband services, although it doesn't want to provide those services itself.

Google's search for alternative wireless services fits well with its strategic positioning as a “new-style” service provider. (See our cover story on page 24 for more, including a profile of Google's wireless ambitions.)

Google's move was an ex parte filing as part of the FCC's ongoing docket on white space data services. The white space proposal, backed by Dell, HP, Microsoft, Philips and others — collectively known as the Wireless Innovation Alliance — has had a rough time mainly because early FCC efforts to test the technology have largely failed.

The details of Google's interest in white space services came in a six-page letter to the FCC. Its vision includes a combination of fixed and mobile access devices, “coupled with” Google's Android mobile platform, which the filing says would “be an excellent match for the TV white space.” Richard Whitt, lead telecom counsel for Google, dubbed white space mobile broadband “Wi-Fi on steroids.”

Google said it isn't interested in becoming a wireless provider or building its own white space network, but it would provide — at no cost — technical support, intellectual property and reference to get a white space network launched and operating. Google said smarter spectrum-sensing technology in edge devices — including permission-to-transmit signals and local microphone beacons — would relieve potential problems with network interference and congestion.

The FCC isn't expected to rule on white space spectrum use for several months. Even if approved, it wouldn't be available until February 2009 at the earliest, timed to coincide with the shift to all-digital over-the-air TV.