Sep 26, 2008 11:20 AM
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Google cofounder Larry Page brought his shaggy, salt-and-pepper mop to the Dirksen office building in Washington, D.C. to complain to federal regulators about television broadcasters. Google wants access to the dead air between television stations for wireless devices like the new G1 phone from T-Mobile running Google's Android operating system. But an odd alliance of broadcasters and wireless microphone manufacturers oppose opening up the "white spaces" due to concerns over radio frequency interference. Referring to FCC tests held at FedEx Field, home of the Washington Redskins, Page declared:
The test was rigged deliberately. That's the kind of thing we've been up against here, and I find it despicable.
Google explained that the wireless microphone frequency was hidden behind broadcast television signals. When asked if Page felt the FCC aided in the subterfuge, Page demurred, blaming broadcasters instead. A spokesperson for microphone manufacturer Shure, Mark Brunner, shot down the accusation, "These tests were open to the public, and those who choose to discount the results — which have not yet been published — had every option to be present and to witness them for themselves." Just remember, Larry: It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you. (Photo by AP/Paul Sakuma)
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