After reaching 70% market share for Internet search, what else can you ask for? Well, more. Recent reports say that Google now wants to free the usage of white spaces within the TV spectrum. White-what ? Within TV-what ? OK, let me explain.

We receive the TV channels through broadcasters (FOX TV, Star TV, Zee TV), who beam the channels up into the airwaves. Actually, these are the radio signals, which get carried on what is termed as frequencies (or spectrum). Think of the spectrum as a pathway, on which the TV channels ride to reach your TV antennas. Now who will use which spectrum is decided by FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in the US. So, FCC decides what frequency to offer to what players. SO, these spectrums are regulated. You have to take a license to be able to use one of them for TV broadcast. Ditto for cellular phones. The cell phone companies get a license for a specific spectrum band in which they can operate. It has to be licensed by a government authority. FCC in the United States. TRAI and DoT in India.

Now, there is another kind of spectrum, too, that is free. As in, you do not need a license to use it. This is the spectrum used by Wi-Fi. Remember, you can take any Wi-Fi enabled device and use any Wi-Fi network, anywhere. In a mall, restaurant, airport, café, anywhere. So, this spectrum is unregulated.

All well, so what’s the problem? Well, apparently, Google wants the FCC to free up chunks of spectrum in the licensed TV spectrum for providing Internet service. What this means is that not all the bandwidth of spectrum reserved for the TV channels is used by them. And Google now wants the unused part to be used up for providing the Internet services. A lot of lobbying has been happening lately in this domain what with Google and Microsoft, both favoring the cause. If that happens, anyone can walk in and use such a spectrum to access the Internet with virtually any device. Unlike today , when certain kind of devices are licensed to use the spectrum, like set top boxes, antennas, and mobile phones.

The game has turned a bit political, in the United States. On the other hand are the companies like TV broadcasters who are against the idea, ‘coz they argue that allowing Internet access through this spectrum will cause interference with the TV signals, thereby affecting the TV reception quality. Also against the move are the established cellular companies, who have spent billions to create infrastructure to provide Internet to the end consumer, whereas this move might ensure a free Internet to the consumers.

Google has even launched a lobby website for the cause - FreeTheAirWaves.com.

Let’s have a look at what different stakeholders have for them in this if this Google succeeds in its intentions.

Google

Well, Google might be advocating the cause of free-and-ubiquitous Internet for all, but it has its commercial interest, too. If this happens, more and more people will log on to the Internet from various devices. More people online translate into more people using Google’s service, which , in turn means, more ad revenues for Google. This is what Google has to say about this (officially)

“When it comes to opening these airwaves, we believe the public interest is clear. But we also want to be transparent about our involvement: Google has a clear business interest in expanding access to the Web. There’s no doubt that if these airwaves are opened up to unlicensed use, more people will be using the Internet. That’s certainly good for Google (not to mention many of our industry peers) but we also think that it’s good for consumers.”

So, here you go. Freeing up the white spaces is in the large general interest of Google.

Microsoft

Microsoft is a strong supporter of the cause. Needless to say, we all know Microsoft’s attempt to de-throne Google from Web’s number position. Microsoft is doing every bit to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive connected world. (To disagree, thrash us on our post - Microsoft LIVE Search : Will It Steal The Show ?). Again, in absolute terms, more people accessing the Internet means more people using Microsoft’s service too. Also, ZUNE as a device might benefit largely if this goes through. Wi-Fi is built into the ZUNE. True, this freeing up won’t be using ZUNE, but whatever it might use, ZUNE does have wireless network related functioning enabled into it by default. There are more chances of MS building such a technology. In fact. They might already have one. In order to show the Federal government that this kind of device would not interfere with the TV signals, Microsoft engineers took it upon themselves to build such a device and showcase it the US authorities. If they are successful, Microsoft will have a headstart over any other such company. ZUNE is not a bad player after all.

TV Broadcasters

TV Broadcasters fear that allowing new devices to access the spectrum might interfere with the TV reception. Well, if they are right, Google better step back. However, Google, Microsoft, Motorola have been conducting tests to prove that its not the case. Unless its proved otherwise, TV companies have a good reason to be afraid.

Cellular Phone Companies

Cellular companies have been cribbing about interference, too. They say the new Internet signals will be interfering with the existing cell phone signals. However, there is more to this picture.

Cellular phone companies have invested a lot in establishing an infrastructure to bring the Internet bandwidth to the paying consumer. Be it wired or wireless. If the White Space Internet appears as the new form of wireless broadband Internet, much of their investment would go down the drain. They have every reason to fear. However, if the end consumer benefits in the whole process, Google and Microsoft will market it well enough for all the relevant audience to know. This might do little to help the cause of the Cellular companies.

Our Take

Given that the new White Space Internet signals do not interfere with either the TV broadcasters or the Cellular frequencies, it seems like a good idea of a ubiquitous Internet. That space is anyways lying there wasted. If it can be used to provide the Internet access, I do not see anyone complaining. Not the consumer, at least.

With the launch of the FreeTheAirWaves.com websites, Google has taken the war public. It is asking the people to sign the petition to free the white spaces. If it gathers enough numbers, the lobbying can get heavier. However the players on the other side are heavy weights, too. Media companies and cellular networks. Much will depend on who gets the ball rolling in the political sphere. Till then I’m expecting a lot of press coverage from both the camps.

So what do you think? Are you ready to give away the free spaces within your TV channels?

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