White spaces momentum continues
January 27th, 2011 | Published in Google Public Policy
Today we’re one step closer to a world with “super Wi-Fi.” In an order released yesterday afternoon, the FCC conditionally designated nine companies, including Google, as administrators for a white spaces database and outlined some important ground rules for its operation.
Just last fall the Commission adopted final technical rules on white spaces – the unused, public airwaves that we believe will lead to the next generation of wireless technologies. Before inventors can start to introduce new products and services on these airwaves, the FCC must certify the white spaces databases, which will ensure that different wireless signals don’t interfere with each other.
In the coming weeks, the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology will work with the designated database administrators, including real-world testing to ensure that databases provide accurate results. Last year, we submitted a proposal to build and operate a database, and we plan to be involved in the FCC’s process moving forward.
We’re excited to see momentum continue on white spaces, and can’t wait to see what new technologies will emerge.