Google has asked the Federal Communications Commission to disregard requests from Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile to make white-space spectrum licensed spectrum for mobile backhaul services. Earlier this month the two operators filed comments with the FCC, saying white space spectrum--those airwaves that sit between the airwaves currently licensed to TV broadcasters--would interfere with licensed broadcasts and would be best suited for backhaul.
Google has filed a letter with the FCC, arguing that the operators' late comments in the white-space spectrum debate should be "set aside." Google called their suggestion to use the spectrum for backhaul "not the most efficient, or even marginal, use of the white spaces."
It appears, however, the FCC is quite keen on white-space spectrum ushering in more broadband competition. During its open meeting last week, the FCC announced its schedule for testing four new devices designed to operate in white-space spectrum. The FCC is reviewing four devices from Microsoft, Philips, Motorola and Adaptrum as part of Phase II of white space testing. The FCC laboratory will commence testing the devices next week and expects the tests to continue for about four to six weeks. Field testing will follow the lab tests and take an additional four to six weeks.
For more about Google's opposition to Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile:
- read this report from Dow Jones