A consortium led by software giant Microsoft is pushing for licenses to provide Internet access via unused TV bandwidth.

The US Media & Telecom regulator Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently testing equipment which will help provide Internet broadband service via television airwaves. Of course, only "unused spectra" will be deployed to ensure that television signals are not distorted.

Parallel ISP Technology by 2009
Not surprisingly, this new device is not promoted by telecom cos or cable operators. (And certainly not by televison broadcasters.) The promoter is a consortium of rivals Microsoft & Google along with others like Dell. They're pushing the U.S. regulator to open up unused TV spectrum for broadband Internet services.

One key issue here is whether this new device can deliver the Internet without disrupting TV signals. As expected, the promoters are confident that there won't be any distortion. While television broadcasters are equally sure (!) that the new technology would cause major problems - and also affect the implementation of changing over from analog to digital TV by early 2009.

Although the FCC is expected to publish its report sometime in 2007, and convert into legislation (if successful) later this year, the first ISP based on the new technology would launch only in 2009.

"Affordable Broadband for the Masses"
It's interesting to note the stated objective of the promoters (Microsoft, Google, et al): "to provide affordable broadband service to the masses".

Now, why would Microsoft, Google be remotely interested in that? Could it help their long-term plan to ensure "net neutrality" by setting up a parallel ISP business?

Now that's a thought !