Tech Companies and Public Interest Groups Form Coalition to Expand Broadband Access

From Kevin Bogardus, The Hill:

Tech giants and public interest watchdogs joined forces Wednesday in a new coalition to support new portable wireless devices that will utilize underused parts of the spectrum for Internet service.

The Wireless Innovation Alliance (WIA) is a new group comprised of IT companies like Google and Hewlett-Packard as well as watchdog groups such as Free Press and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. They have teamed up as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers rules for devices designed to provide broadband access using “white spaces” — unused parts of the spectrum that typically would be occupied by television frequencies.

“All government is doing is setting the road signs,” said Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), speaking at the press conference announcing the alliance. “But the private sector can’t move ahead until the road signs are established.”

IT companies such as Microsoft — a WIA member whose headquarters reach into Inslee’s district — are developing the devices with the promise they will provide superior broadband access. The white spaces occupy prime real estate on the spectrum, and the enhanced access could spur more innovation and broaden Internet availability to more Americans.

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