Google Pushing New Open Wireless Spectrum
Google has been getting involved with the plans for the future of the 700 MHz wireless spectrum that will be vacated when standard definition TV signals are shut off. It’s looking like the FCC is planning to adopt a number of open-access rules set up by Google that will force those using the spectrum for open wireless devices, not proprietary network-locked ones, emulating an internet-style open marketplace.
Google’s guidelines ask for open applications (allowing anyone to utilize the spectrum for whatever applications and downloads, regardless of device maker and network), open devices (anyone can create a device that can work on any network), open services (allowing resellers to buy wireless service) and open networks (third parties should be able to connect on any licensee’s network). The FCC may not adopt all of it, but they are expected to adopt at least part of it, resulting in the most open broadcasting ecosystem in a very long time.
