Microsoft's Mundie Hails Potential of White Spaces

Microsoft's Chief Research and Strategy Officer Craig Mundie has hailed the result of Tuesday's FCC ruling to open up wireless spectrum between over-the-air television channels. In a statement, Mundie declared the FCC move will "allow every American to realize the enormous potential of white spaces."

Mundie predicted a new wave of innovation involving devices and Internet-based services, and predicted the "creative solutions" to existing problems, such as a lack of inexpensive broadband services in rural areas.

However, Microsoft will face huge challenges of its own. In addition to having to develop technologies that can utilize these spectrums, it will also have to deal with opposition from broadcasters and telcos. The National Association of Broadcasters has long warned about white space services and devices interfering with over-the-air television signals, and wireless carriers are worried about their own business models being undermined by new competition from Microsoft, Google, and other companies.

Observers seem generally supportive of the FCC decision for increasing competition and supporting the open spirit of the Internet.

Verizon's David Fish says Verizon does not have any comment about the FCC vote, but he did point the Standard to earlier statements by Verizon Vice President Thomas Tauke, who helps guide the company's public affairs initiatives in Washington. In August, Tauke told reporters that Verizon "favored licensed spectrum," but was concerned about the potential for services or new devices to interfere with Verizon's own products.

Sources cited, referenced, or consulted: PCWorld.com, PCMag.com, Arstechnica.com Verizon.com, Verizon's media contact, Alleyinsider.com, Microsoft.com, Washingtonpost.com.