The Internet's technology giants have dreamed of TV airwaves to deliver Web access. A coalition led by Google, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Phillips is asking regulators to allow idle TV
channels, called "white space," to be used for that purpose. The group on Wednesday was expected to deliver a prototype device to the Federal Communications Commission built by Microsoft. It will
undergo months of testing, but if it passes inspection, it could go to market by early 2009.
For the FCC, which governs the use of TV and radio airwaves, the idea presents a host of
technological and ethical questions. First, it has to be convinced that traffic wouldn't leak outside designated channels and disrupt other broadcasts. Second, it has to consider the idea of
censorship. Cable and TV networks are heavily regulated by the agency; the Internet isn't regulated by anyone. Even so, FCC commissioner Jonathan Adelstein is keen on the idea.
Meanwhile,
competitors from the cable, telecom and satellite industries aren't sitting on their hands. Most are investing heavily in expanding their networks, while others have put money behind startups
specializing in wide-reaching wireless technologies, like WiMax.
Read the whole story at The Washington Post »