Introduction:

Larry Page, co-founder of Google, addresses an audience in Washington, discussing the critical nature of white spaces and spectrum allocation. He presents the issue as one he’s highly passionate about, and establishes a context by introducing a Wi-Fi enabled phone.

The Rise of Wi-Fi:

Page reflects on the incredible ubiquity of Wi-Fi, pointing out that it operates on a “junky” piece of spectrum originally intended for garage door openers. Despite initial concerns about interference with microwave ovens, Wi-Fi has flourished. Over one billion Wi-Fi-enabled devices are projected to be produced in the current year.

Cost and Interference Concerns:

He debunks claims from broadcasters about potential interference from Wi-Fi devices. The chipset for Wi-Fi costs about $5, making it widely accessible and contributing to its ubiquity. Broadcasters, who operate at much higher wattages, argue that Wi-Fi devices will cause interference. Page dismisses this as untrue.

The Spectrum Debate:

Page finds it baffling that public discourse questions the need for expanding the tiny slice of spectrum used for “unlicensed open things” like Wi-Fi. He argues that doing so would be a “no-brainer,” leading to higher data rates and improved functionality for everyone.

Limitations of Current Wi-Fi Spectrum:

He notes that the spectrum currently used for Wi-Fi has significant limitations. It does not pass through walls well, and it can be interrupted by microwave ovens. Despite these shortcomings, Wi-Fi remains widely used, which suggests that a better-allocated spectrum could offer even greater benefits.

Through this talk, Larry Page advocates for smarter, more open spectrum allocation, citing the success of Wi-Fi as a prime example of the innovation and utility that can arise from such initiatives.

Limitations of Current Wi-Fi:

Larry Page discusses the limitations of current Wi-Fi technology. He mentions how the Wi-Fi signal strength weakens significantly when it passes through walls, making it difficult to cover an entire house.

White Spaces: A Solution:

Page introduces the concept of using white spaces for Wi-Fi. These white spaces could make it possible for a single hub to transmit signals through walls and over much longer distances, offering higher data rates and reliability.

Economic Advantages:

Page emphasizes the economic advantages of using white spaces for Wi-Fi, especially for coverage in rural areas. This could be achieved at significantly lower costs, enabling broader connectivity and potentially boosting a nation’s economic strength.

U.S. Broadband Penetration:

Page points out that the U.S. has fallen behind in broadband penetration, from 3rd to 16th globally. He believes white spaces could be a way to improve the situation, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.

Wasted Resources:

He mentions that a lot of spectrum is currently wasted, as many frequencies are not being used. This wasted space could be harnessed for better and more efficient usage through modern technology.

Technological Advancements:

The advancements in radio and spectrum technologies could make the utilization of white spaces feasible. These technologies are cheap to implement, incredibly efficient, and could profoundly change the world of connectivity.

FCC and Prototyping:

Page wraps up by mentioning that the FCC has been working on white space technology for about five years. His own company is also investing in spectrum sensing prototypes to unlock this potential.

Overall, Larry Page makes a compelling case for the untapped potential of white spaces to revolutionize Wi-Fi networks, providing economic benefits and solving connectivity issues.

Proof of Concept vs Final Product:

Larry Page clarifies that the devices under discussion are prototypes and not finished products. These prototypes have been tested in the field, and despite their preliminary status, have shown promising results, such as detecting small signals and avoiding interference.

Regulatory Challenges:

Page criticizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their handling of device regulation. He argues that the FCC usually permits the production of devices that don’t interfere with other technologies, and he is confident that his prototypes meet this criterion. He also describes the FCC’s current requirements as convoluted, suggesting that the standard practice should be sufficient.

Investment and Development:

He is optimistic that, should the FCC give a green light based on non-interference, significant investment will pour into the technology. He believes this would result in rapidly evolving devices that would be beneficial to the public.

Counter Arguments and Spectrum Control:

Page contends that objections to the technology are not only unfounded but often serve the interests of parties who benefit from maintaining control over the spectrum. He suggests that these objections are against the public good and criticizes them for spreading what he considers misinformation.

Technical Feasibility and Biased Testing:

Page notes that the technology is fully capable of avoiding interference with existing spectrum users. He alleges that some tests have been rigged to make his technology appear inadequate, describing this as despicable.

Optimism Despite Complexities:

Page reiterates his confidence in the technology and suggests that it could even be designed to completely avoid areas where it might interfere with existing broadcasts. He believes that reasonable solutions exist and remains optimistic that the regulatory hurdles will be overcome.

Final Thoughts:

Larry Page insists that the technology is not the issue; rather, it’s the regulatory environment that needs to change. He calls for the FCC to stick to its standard procedure of testing for interference, stating that this alone should suffice for approval.

Immediate FCC Action Needed:

Larry Page emphasizes the need for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take immediate action to release an order before the upcoming election. He argues that this is crucial for technological progress and can show global leadership.

Public Support:

Page discusses a campaign called “Free the Airwaves,” which has garnered significant public attention. Over 15,000 people have directly sent messages to the FCC through this campaign’s website, demonstrating substantial public interest in this issue.

Economic and Social Benefits:

Page makes a strong case for the economic benefits of acting on this issue. He asserts that this would not only improve everyday technologies like Wi-Fi but could also significantly impact the broader economic landscape by enabling the production of a billion new devices.

Underutilized Spectrum:

He remarks that there’s a wealth of spectrum currently not being used effectively. By freeing up more unlicensed spectrum, advancements can be made that would be socially beneficial.

Obvious Need for More Unlicensed Spectrum:

Page finds it baffling that there’s even a debate on whether more unlicensed spectrum is needed. He argues it is so obviously beneficial that the debate should not exist, thereby pressing the FCC to take prompt action.

Ending Remarks:

Page concludes by stating that he doesn’t understand how there can be any debate about the necessity for more unlicensed spectrum, and opens the floor for questions.

Larry Page conveys a sense of urgency and confidence that immediate FCC action is not only beneficial but necessary for technological and social progress. He underscores this with points about public support, economic advantage, and the current underutilization of available spectrum.

Concern Over Timing of FCC Decision:

In response to a question about whether Google is concerned that the FCC’s decision might be delayed until the next administration, Larry Page reiterates his hope that action will be taken before the election. He says that Google will remain committed to the issue regardless of timing, emphasizing the lost opportunity for the production of a billion devices each year due to inaction.

Question of Rigged Testing:

When asked if he believes that the FCC’s tests on spectrum usage were rigged, Page denies directly accusing the FCC. Instead, he suggests that broadcasters have been very active in shaping the testing conditions. He argues that elaborate tests are not necessary and reiterates that the FCC should simply allow the spectrum to be used in an unlicensed manner, provided that the devices don’t interfere with existing systems.

Simplification of Regulatory Steps:

Page makes the point that the whole issue could be resolved by the FCC declaring that the spectrum can be used in an unlicensed way if there’s no interference. He believes such a straightforward approach would remove the need for complicated testing regimes. The practical details can be worked out once devices are actually developed, at which point $100 million would likely have been spent.

Political vs Real Debate:

Page expresses frustration that the discussion has turned into a political debate rather than a practical one. As an engineer, he emphasizes that he prefers discussions grounded in feasibility and effectiveness rather than political maneuvering.

Larry Page elaborates on his continued commitment to advocating for unlicensed spectrum use, addresses questions about the legitimacy of FCC tests, and calls for a more practical, less politically driven approach to the issue.