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So in addition to the 700 MHz spectrum, another broadcasting medium will become available in 2009. It’s the white spaces between the frequencies. We’re not totally educated on the topic, though we’ve read quite a bit about it over the past few days. Sticking with their M.O., Google wants these white spaces to be open to access from anyone. That is, they don’t want it to be licensed. Microsoft is with them on this one, but incumbents in both the broadcast and telecommunications industries aren’t so hot on the idea.

These white spaces would allow devices to connect to the Internet wirelessly, so it makes sense that outsiders like Google and Microsoft would push for their openness. Incumbents like T-Mobile, Sprint, CBS, and NBC would like to see licensing, citing the potential for “harmful interference to important incumbent operations.”

I’m figuring it’s really about the money involved. Both Sprint and T-Mobile aren’t bidding in the 700 MHz spectrum, and it would make sense for them to pick up some cheaper white space bandwidth. Not quite sure, though, why we’re seeing broadcasting companies back this initiative. They’ll have to surrender those white spaces along with the 700 MHz spectrum in 2009.

Of course, Google and Microsoft have foreseen these objections, and have taken measures into their own hands. They’re conducting tests to find a means for the white spaces to not interfere with broadcast signals. They’ve also given devices to the FCC which allow the commission to test matters for themselves.

[Market Watch]

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