FCC raises eyebrow at Google 'white-space' play

US Federal Communications Commission commissioner Robert McDowell has raised an eyebrow at Google's request to serve as an administrator of a national database detailing the use of "white-space" spectrum, Mountain View's latest effort to accelerate the deployment of unlicensed broadband devices in the unused TV airwaves. …

[Kevin McMurtrie]

The plan is coming together now

According to Google, whitespace use is critical for the future of the Internet and it requires a geolocation database to protect public TV broadcasts. This forces the use of Google Location Services at the router, not at the browser where it's optional. Now Google knows where HTTP traffic originates within a very small area. Combine it with their tracking services, search engine hits, GMail, etc. and they have the ability to track everybody in every detail all the time. I don't think there's a shortage of bidders for that kind of data.

[Mandrin]

Wait....

Until every person connected to the net has a unique identifier. Wait till governments beg google to help them trace the nasty baddies out there in the world. etc

Google is in the strong position to eventually be the only ones stirring the pot on the stove...

[Anonymous Coward]

Step 2...

Step 1: An unlocked mobile platform (Android).

Step 2: An unlocked wireless network.

Step 3: World Domination.

[Herby]

Take them from the Government first!

There is a BUNCH of nice white space between 300MHz and 400MHz. Of course it is used by governments (and their army/navies). What do governments need with radios, don't they all use cell phones or some such. All that nice unused spectrum gone to waste, and they can't use it. Let the FCC/OFCOM sell it off and make money. Surely the military can pay for it.

Yes, all this white space junk is terrible. You need to be in control of ALL aspects of the link to really know if it is compatible. Looking at just one side won't cut it, and never will!!

[Anonymous Coward]

What whitespace?

I thought (and I'm probably being naive here) that in the near future, TV would migrate to DVB-T2 or whatever its American equivalent, and much more use of single-frequency networks?

If that happens, there won't *be* any whitespace. [Of course the spectrum would still be there, but it could be regulated and used in a different way that doesn't require the big database.]