Microsoft, others say broadcasters deter airwave use
Seattle PI | at | by Mike
A group that includes Google Inc. and Microsoft accused broadcast-industry lobbyists Thursday of interfering with U.S. regulators' tests of mobile Internet devices that operate on unused television airwaves.
A "public misinformation campaign" by the National Association of Broadcasters has "confused the testing process" and misled policymakers, the Wireless Innovation Alliance said in a letter to NAB President David Rehr. The airwaves, known as white spaces, are between TV channels.
The group promoting the devices wants the Federal Communications Commission to make the airwaves available for unlicensed uses, such as mobile Internet access, after broadcasters convert to digital signals next year. The group must first convince the FCC that the devices won't harm TV reception.