• The Wall Street Journal, Tuesday, March 25, 2008 11:15 AM

Google might have lost the FCC spectrum auction--and happily so, by most accounts--but less than a week later, the search giant has unveiled new plans to use the so-called "white spaces" that exist between TV channels to provide Internet service. Of course, Google will do no such thing without the consent of the Federal Communications Commission.

In a letter to the spectrum regulator, Google requested that the white spaces be opened up for unlicensed use to spread more affordable, widespread Internet access. In particular, Google seeks to use the white space located between channels 2 and 51 on TV sets that have antennas. The move provides ubiquitous wireless broadband access to all Americans and enable much-needed competition to the incumbent broadband service providers.

TV broadcasters oppose the use of white spaces because they worry it would interfere with television programming. However, some FCC commissioners, including chairman Kevin Martin, support their usage, provided it can be proven not cause interference. This isn't the first time Google has appealed the FCC to release the white spaces. The move would effectively give Google its own mobile network.

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