Google is lobbying the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to open up the mostly vacant 3.5 GHz spectrum, with the intent of making alternative wireless services available. As prices for access to traditional wireless spectrums continue to rise rapidly, the alternative to vast amount of low-cost bandwidth is available at a price that would undercut services from larger carriers and could be a boom for consumers. Google has introduced Google Fiber, a wired internet service in few cities and also appears to be targeting wireless and high-speed internet technologies. They also recently requested permission to experiment in the millimeter range spectrum, these millimetre bandwidths would provide high-speed, low-cost wireless data transfer that could also undercut traditional internet service providers.
According to a recent story from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), one of Google’s latest initiatives is lobbying the FCC to free up spectrum around the 3.5 GHz range, with engaging the FCC with at least 10 meetings in last two years. Traditional wireless carriers have little interest in these airwaves because the distance they can carry signals is limited. However, one advantage is the transfer of large amounts of data over smaller distances. For example, they could be used in urban areas to transmit data — similar to the way that existing Wi-Fi networks do — with potentially more availability and bandwidth. Google has filed more than one hundred pages of highly technical documents in support of the idea, which may play a role in whether the FCC finalizes new rules related to the airwaves in question this year. Somewhat predictably, traditional wireless carriers have given the idea of new, lower cost bandwidth lackluster support. Some, like AT&T, have even pushed for a long transition period that would delay implementation of the new airwaves.
The potential benefit of the 3.5 GHz spectrum for these new uses is bright, but there might be few hurdles in the implementation of its use, according to the WSJ. The devices, phones and hardware will have to be designed to interface in this spectrum. This area of the spectrum is also one used by the Navy, and it claims that the coastal areas will need to be excluded from service of this kind. Google, however, has answers to these objections and proposes a three-tier access approach. The government users would get first-tier access, while companies could apply to the FCC for exclusive access in smaller geographic regions in the second tier. The third tier would be open for anyone to use, much like the spectrum use for garage door openers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Though there may be significant challenges in this proposal, a successful outcome may represent a better internet and greater access for consumers, and Google seems to support that illustrious goal.
