Introduction:

Larry Page, co-founder of Google, speaks about the significance of the recent FCC proceedings on white spaces. He shares his insights on the transformational potential of this technology in the wireless broadband landscape.

Importance of FCC’s Decision on White Spaces:

Page lauds the FCC for their decision on white spaces, citing it as one of the most crucial technological advancements in recent times. He believes this will fundamentally change how people use and access the Internet.

The Wi-Fi Story:

Page uses the history of Wi-Fi as an analogy to explain the potential of white spaces. Originally, Wi-Fi operated on ‘worthless’ spectrum and eventually evolved into an essential technology. He notes that just like Wi-Fi changed the world, white spaces have a similar trajectory for impact.

Prospects and Scalability:

Page highlights the cost-effectiveness of Wi-Fi, facilitated by the mass production of chipsets. He argues that white spaces can emulate this economic model but offer much greater range and fewer infrastructural needs.

Impact on Connectivity:

White spaces, according to Page, will revolutionize connectivity, especially in rural areas. Unlike Wi-Fi, which suffers from limited range, white spaces can cover greater distances with fewer transmitters, reducing costs substantially.

Technological Improvements in Radio:

Page points out that the technology in radios is also advancing, much like in computers. This will allow for smarter, more efficient use of the spectrum, which will increase data throughput and extend range.

Changing Business Models:

Page sees the advent of white spaces as an enabler for innovative business models in providing Internet services. He contrasts this with traditional methods by referring to AT&T’s acquisition of Wayport, implying that white spaces offer a more cost-effective solution.

Summary:

Page is highly optimistic about the transformative potential of white spaces in wireless broadband. He sees it as a game-changer in terms of connectivity, cost, and the development of new business models.

Interference Concerns:

The dialogue begins with a discussion about the concerns of signal interference to broadcasters and wireless mics. The speakers acknowledge that resolving these concerns is challenging but necessary to promote innovation in spectrum usage.

Unlicensed Use of Spectrum:

One speaker points out the irony that wireless microphones themselves are a good example of how spectrum can be used on an unlicensed basis without causing interference. Some wireless microphones haven’t even undergone the FCC certification process as they were supposed to.

Role of Stakeholders:

The commission praises the contributions from experts like Larry Page in explaining how the technology can operate without causing undue interference. Julie Knapp, the chief engineer at the commission, also spent a significant amount of time ensuring all concerns were addressed.

Global Implications:

The speaker mentions that the commission’s decisions have global implications, as other countries also use the same broadcast frequencies. The technology can help people worldwide, as it has specific technical characteristics like better wall penetration and data-carrying capacity.

Smart Technology Solutions:

Larry Page cites the example of a room with 4,000-5,000 people using Wi-Fi simultaneously without interference, attributing this to smart technology that allows efficient sharing of available spectrum.

Future Considerations:

Larry Page and the commission agree that their current steps are just the beginning. There’s room for more aggressive action, such as increasing power limits in rural areas and adopting more dynamic methods to determine appropriate spectrum use. Sensing technologies and increased device sophistication are anticipated to play a role in future improvements.

Complementary Technologies:

The discussion concludes with a call to consider how the advancements could complement existing technologies like WiMAX, especially in challenging environments like indoors. This allows for a multi-layered approach to connectivity.

Progress and Potential:

Larry Page states that significant progress has been made in the area of spectrum management. He suggests that the existing arrangements provide enough power and distance in most places to attract commercial interest for mass-producing devices.

Adaptive Rules:

Page mentions a key feature: a database that devices can consult to adapt to their environment. This database will include information about local TV transmitters and other conditions, allowing devices to operate optimally. This adaptability means the FCC can dynamically adjust regulations based on evolving insights.

Changing Technologies:

Page is optimistic about improvements in technology over time, which will allow for better understanding and potentially more flexible rules. He notes that the FCC’s approach can adapt as they learn more about real-world implications, enabling quicker adjustments to rules, especially in less populated areas.

Market Introduction:

While not providing a specific timeline, Page estimates that it wouldn’t be surprising if real devices utilizing this technology are available in about a year and a half. He suggests that a lot of people are already working on such devices.

Existing Technologies:

The other speaker highlights that many existing technologies, like geolocation features in cell phones, could easily integrate into this new spectrum management system. However, he notes that even with readily available technology, it generally takes around 18 months to design and market any significant changes.

Mass Production and Quick Adoption:

Both speakers agree that once these technologies reach mass production, rapid market penetration is possible, similar to what was witnessed with Wi-Fi. This speed in market adoption is expected to benefit from the regulatory flexibility and the adaptive technologies discussed.

Google’s Wireless Interests:

Larry Page discusses Google’s extensive dealings with wireless and broadband providers, largely to distribute Google’s products like toolbars and maps. Google’s primary interest, however, is not in building a network but in ensuring the internet remains open for innovation.

Network Neutrality:

Page emphasizes the importance of maintaining an “open internet,” also known as network neutrality. This is to ensure that even small players can launch services globally without complex deals or unfair speed limitations. Page regards the slowdown of internet services as a subtle form of censorship that undermines democracy.

Google and Spectrum:

In the conversation, Larry Page also touched on Google’s temporary ownership of some 700 megahertz spectrum. Though not elaborated, this hints at Google’s active interest in the wireless broadband space.

FCC’s Balanced Approach:

The Commission speaks about finding a balanced approach to ensure network neutrality. The concern is that excessive regulation could discourage network operators from investing in their networks or using reasonable network management techniques.

Wireless Industry Transformation:

A significant shift is highlighted toward a more open environment in the wireless industry, in part due to regulatory decisions. Players like T-Mobile with the Android platform, iPhone, and Verizon are moving toward being more open to application developers.

Importance of Openness:

Both speakers agree that openness in the wireless and internet spaces is crucial for ongoing innovation and fair competition. They anticipate this trend of openness to continue and perhaps accelerate in the future.

Universal Access to Broadband:

Larry Page emphasizes the importance of making internet access cheaper and more widespread. He mentions that covering a greater radius is the primary factor that determines the cost of bringing internet to a city. Page is optimistic about providing universal basic internet access using current technology.

Regulatory Challenges:

Page believes that the main obstacle to achieving universal access is not technological but regulatory. He stresses the need for organized efforts to navigate the regulatory landscape to make wide-ranging internet access a reality.

The $5 Communication Chip:

Page discusses the potential of a $5 communication chip, similar to Wi-Fi, to revolutionize global internet access. Once these low-cost chips are available, they could be distributed worldwide, significantly improving communication access.

FCC’s Role in Broadband:

Another speaker, presumably FCC Chairman Martin, outlines that the commission is focusing on reforming the universal service system. The aim is to move from supporting voice-grade service to supporting broadband connections. The speaker also mentions an $8 billion program that could be reallocated to support broadband connectivity, both in urban and rural areas.

The Future of Broadband:

In his concluding thoughts, Page talks about the untapped technological potential for both wired and wireless internet connections. He indicates that while the technology is already available at low costs, its full implementation is lagging. He believes there are substantial business opportunities in closing this gap, and he remains optimistic about the government’s role in facilitating these advancements.