Following the record-setting $19 billion spectrum auction held by the FCC in March 2008, Internet search engine Google proposed a plan suggesting how these airwaves could provide high-speed mobile access to consumers.  This portion of the spectrum is highly prized because it can propagate long distances and through obstacles. 

In a letter to the Commission, Google asked the FCC to unlock the airwaves for unlicensed uses after the digital television transition takes place in 2009.  The letter also attempts to alleviate concerns on the part of television broadcasters and microphone manufacturers about harmful interference caused by the entry of new devices. 

Finally, Google seeks to protect the airwaves used by the military and public safety agencies by using spectrum-sensing technology to free up the airwaves when they are needed by the government. 

Google’s proposals are designed to help ensure that consumers in any part of the country would be able to use wireless devices on those airwaves.  Microsoft and Dell have both publicly supported Google’s proposals.  Given consumer trends toward portable wireless devices, Google plans to boost revenue by creating more Internet services for mobile phones and devices.

Additional Information:

Google’s Letter to the FCC (PDF)

[http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6519868157]

[Sources: Google, The New York Times, CNet.net]