The tech coalition pushing the use of empty spectrum (white spaces) between digital television channels to deliver unlicensed broadband is preparing its latest spin dose in the war of words with broadcasters, cable networks, telephone companies and professional sports leagues, which all oppose the use of white spaces.
Google co-founder Larry Page will be in Washington Sept. 24 to again tout the channel-sensing technology Google, Microsoft, Dell and Motorola all claim is the key to delivering broadband through the interference zones between television channels. Page’s appearance will be part of a publicity blitz the Wireless Innovation Alliance is promoting as “White Spaces Day.”
In May, Page made a similar Washington appearance and declared, “This is a huge opportunity to get connectivity to the American people, particularly in rural areas. I think it will make a huge difference to everybody.” He’ll probably say the same thing again when he appears at the Senate Dirksen Office Building before a roomful of legislative aides and media.
It’s one of the perks for lawmakers’ staffs: free snacks and a photo op with Larry!
The broadcasters no doubt are already buffing up a statement refuting Page, emphasizing that FCC (Federal Communications Commission) testing on white spaces devices has been a failure and will lead to harmful interference with American Idol broadcasts. The Wireless Innovation Alliance claims those same tests have been a success.
No one really knows since the FCC has yet to release the test results, although it is expected to do so any day now.