Google proposes using unused U.S. airwaves for wireless Internet services

In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, Google said it would propose an enhanced system to prevent wireless devices operating in the so-called "white space" between channels from interfering with adjacent channels and wireless microphones.

Google said the enhancements "will eliminate any remaining legitimate concerns about the merits of using the white space for unlicensed personal/portable devices."

The FCC is currently testing equipment to see if it can make use of the spectrum between channels without interfering with television broadcasts.

The filing came less than two weeks after Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, urged the commission to free up the spectrum so it could be used to expand access to wireless broadband services using Wi-Fi technology.

Google and Microsoft are part of a coalition of technology companies that has been lobbying the commission to allow unlicensed use of the airwaves between television channels. The group, called the White Space Coalition, also includes Dell, Intel, Hewlett-Packard and the North American unit of Philips Electronics.

Together, the companies want access to a new group of users, which would expand their market.

But U.S. broadcasters and makers of wireless microphones oppose the idea, fearing that devices would cause interference if used on adjacent airwaves.

A proposal being studied by the FCC would create two classes of users for the airwaves: one for low-power, portable devices for personal use, and a second for commercial operations.

The proposal would require that the devices include technology to identify unused frequencies and avoid interference.

"Google is a strong believer in the potential of this spectrum to bring Internet access to more Americans," Rick Whitt, counsel for the company, said Monday.