Google, FCC, Broadcasters Fight for White Spaces

The other big battle on Nov. 4 is over wireless airwaves, and it pits tech stalwarts against TV stations, evangelical preachers—even Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

Besides the Presidential election, there's another big political battle brewing in Washington on Nov. 4. This one is over the airwaves that are used to deliver communications signals to consumers across the country, and like the race for the White House, this contest has created a big divide.

The same day that the country is picking its next President, the Federal Communication Commission will decide whether to make available a large swath of airwaves for wireless high-speed Internet access. It would be the largest-ever contiguous chunk of frequencies, also known as spectrum, doled out by the U.S. government for free public use. Combatants on both sides are out swinging.

Proponents include FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and an odd conglomeration of tech heavyweights that includes Google (GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT), Dell (DELL), Motorola (MOT), and Philips Electronics North America. The companies hope the freed-up spectrum will spur demand for wireless access and the equipment and advertising that would support it.

Martin has already lined up the support he needs from two additional commissioners, according to a person familiar with the matter. Still, opposition has gathered steam in recent days, leaving some to speculate the vote on the issue may be delayed, if not ultimately defeated.

Broadcast Disruption?

The opposing faction comprises even stranger bedfellows—from the National Association of Broadcasters, an industry group that represents radio and TV stations, to electronics companies such as Qualcomm (QCOM) and LG Electronics. Even Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren and performers Guns N' Roses and Dolly Parton have weighed in. "I don't know all the legalese concerning this issue, so I've had some very smart people inform me about the legalities here," Parton writes in an Oct. 24 letter that begins on a folksy note. "This industry relies on wireless technology and is in jeopardy of being irreversibly devastated by the Commission's pending decision."

Parton's concern, and that of other opponents, is that new technology would disrupt broadcasts and use of wireless microphones. Their first goal is to get the FCC to delay its Nov. 4 vote. Even former Presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton urged Martin in an Oct. 28 letter to give "all due consideration" to concerns raised by opponents of the move.

The FCC appears intent on holding to its Nov. 4 time frame. On Oct. 29 the commission issued a meeting agenda that includes plans to rule on the airwaves, also known as white spaces, that are located in between channels used for broadcasting TV signals. "The proposal on TV white spaces is scheduled for a vote Nov. 4," says an FCC spokesman. "We moved cautiously with this proposal, we've taken into consideration public comments that have been provided over the past several years." The FCC has received more than 33,600 comments and will continue to accept input through Oct. 31.

Given the imminent change in Presidential administrations and the likelihood of new leadership at the FCC, a lengthy delay could doom an initiative that's been in the works for more than four years, analysts say.