Google, along with several other technology companies (including Microsoft, HP, Dell and Intel) want to have access to the "White Space" between channels on the soon-to-be-vacated 700MHz spectrum. If the access is granted it could allow for a slough of wireless broadband devices that could access the Web at speeds never-before-seen on a mobile device.
Opening up access to this swath of spectrum is mainly opposed by users of the non-white space (or the actual channels) who are afraid that White Space devices would interfere with their devices. The FCC is currently testing devices to see if they can operate safely.
The opening up of White Spaces doesn't really excite me as far as its use for handheld devices. I mean, do you really want to carry your mobile phone and a separate device for on-the-go internet access? Sure, some people do, but they're the minority. How many people do you know who ran out to by a Sony mylo? I'm more excited to see White Spaces used for other purposes. For instance, a new breed of laptop aircards. Heck, even a new breed of laptops that would replace their Wi-Fi technology with White Space. Another possible application would be to use White Spaces for home alarm systems, many of which were rendered useless when analog cell networks were shut down.
So am I looking forward to buying a White Space PDA to surf the web with? Not at all. Am I looking forward to seeing White Spaces used for other consumer purposes? You bet.
Details at Reuters.
Leave a comment