Google among firms to administer white spaces database

“[Key Bridge]
further contends that Google is a prospective manufacturer of TV band
devices, and as a database administrator it would be able to collect
information such as the make, model, serial number, location and
ownership of competitors’ equipment. We are not persuaded by Key
Bridge’s assertions,” states the order. 

“As for Google, while it is true that the company would be collecting
certain information about competitors’ products, the same basic concern
applies to all other database administrators as they could make that
same information available to manufacturers of TV bands devices.”

The FCC states in the order that “to address this industry-wide
concern, we prohibit all database administrators from using the
information collected to engage in anti-competitive practices, either by
using the information themselves or providing it to third parties.”

Manufacturers of new devices that make use of the white spaces must
include a geo-location component that will ping the database so it can
check whether a particular TV frequency is in use.

Spectrum
Bridge said its application can dynamically assign non-interfering
frequencies to white spaces devices and adapt to local TV signals.

“Our
commitment has been demonstrated by the four deployed trial white
spaces networks, referenced in the Commission order adopting the rules,”
said Spectrum Bridge Chief Technology Officer Peter Stanforth.

“Their
decision opens the doors for tremendous innovation, allowing a wide
range of organizations and wireless users to take advantage of this new
spectrum availability in an effective and fair way.”

“We’re
excited to see momentum continue on white spaces, and can’t wait to see
what new technologies will emerge,” said Google business operations
principal Larry Alder in a statement
on Thursday.

All nine firms must send representatives to a series of training
workshops hosted by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology. The
first will take place on March 10.