Ever since losing out on the 700 MHz auction Google has been pushing for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release the white space airwaves that used to display as fuzz between stations on old TVs. These airwaves have far reach and the potential to bring reliable wireless Internet to locations with otherwise limited options.

Make no mistake though, Google’s interests are as much commercial as they are benevolent. Google even acknowledges that on its blog, saying “Google has a clear business interest in expanding access to the web. There’s no doubt that if these airwaves are opened up to unlicensed use, more people will be using the Internet. That’s certainly good for Google . . .”

Google launched a site called Free the Airwaves which essentially is a conglomeration of YouTube videos showing people who have strong opinions about gaining access to those airwaves. It’s an interesting way to approach viral marketing, but it seems like Google could have provided a few more bells and whistles.

Opening up white space definitely has the potential to transform the ISP industry because it could introduce new competition in an otherwise cornered market. That sounds particularly attractive with some companies trying to create taxes in the system for content creators and search engines.

Google makes its position clear with some strong words:

If you care about the future of the Internet, now is the time to take action. The FCC has completed its field testing and is expected to make a ruling in the coming months. With this in mind, today we’re launching Free The Airwaves, a new effort to bring users together around this important issue.

Opening up a new way to access the Internet certainly makes sense so why not express yourself, and help influence the FCC’s decision while you’re at it.

Related:

Entry was posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 1:05 am under Google, Internet.

Read more entries by Matt Jansen.
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