Should you sign Google's 'white space' petition?

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- Google announced this morning a new Web site called FreetheAirWaves.com, which promotes use of what Google calls "TV white space" -- unused frequencies in the range traditionally designated for TV channels. Google wants to transform this range from licensed, like TV (where networks are granted exclusivity to a specific channel) to unlicensed, like Wi-Fi where anyone can use it. Google executives call it "Wi-Fi on steroids."

They call it that because the spectrum would enable faster, longer-range and higher data rate wireless connectivity for all kinds of gadgets.

Google, Dell, HP, Intel, Philips Electronics and Microsoft are united in a coalition called the Wireless Innovation Alliance, and are lobbying the FCC to "free" this spectrum after the coming conversion from analog to digital TV. The Web site is apparently designed to stimulate "grass roots" support for this political movement and to get members of the public to sign a petition.

Their political opponents include the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and phone companies, whose members want exclusive rights to various frequencies.

Google calls it "universal wireless Internet." Unlicensed use could usher in a new era of long-range mobile broadband. This would be especially welcome in rural areas, which constantly struggle for the quality of network access available in cities.

It may not matter. The FCC has been testing alternative use of the spectrum to see if wireless devices will interfere with each other. But Google is proposing new rules to designate specific frequencies for wireless microphones and TVs, and for other devices, then another spectrum for wireless Internet access.

So should you sign the petition? Absolutely, yes. The initiative will surely line the pockets of the six companies pushing for it -- as well as hundreds or thousands of other companies. But it will also directly benefit you and me, because it will improve our wireless connectivity options.