Search Engine Optimization

Google, Microsoft, Motorola and Hewlett-Packard Battle Broadcasters

WASHINGTON — Using YouTube videos and old-fashioned lobbying, Google launched a campaign Monday to mobilize public support for opening up unused portions of the TV spectrum for unlicensed Internet devices and expanded broadband access. – MercuryNews.com

The battle between the two heavyweight industries (broadcast and tech) is shaping up as a classic Washington struggle over future regulation. The Federal Communications Commission will make decisions about the unused spectrum in the next few months after tests to collect data, amid intense and expensive lobbying and public relations campaigns by both sides.

It’s a part of the Google plan to expand mobile internet and use it as additional revenue source.

Gadgets such as the iPhone, HTC, Blackberry and others are becoming more and more popular. Internet access through those devices from millions of users means more advertising dollars for Google and other ad-companies. Google already took large steps towards that goal by bidding $4.71 billion on the wireless spectrum to make sure open access rules took effect.

Verizon won it for $4.74, but with this much money at stake I don’t think it was a problem to “negotiate bids” to make sure both companies got what they want.

Another move is Google Android, which is an open source mobile operating system, designed for high-tech gadgets.

Now Google wants to use old TV airwaves for the same purpose, which is high-speed wireless internet access. In effort to lobby Washington Google created “Free The Airwaves” site, where you can support the initiative for open-access wireless internet.

“Whitt was also sensitive to any notion that Google was creating a “grass-roots” campaign that was really an “Astroturf” effort — a Washington term for a corporate creation disguised as a consumer-generated effort.”

Free The Airwaves is an obvious Astroturf, but it shows Google’s intention on dominating the newly emerging market place, which means more billions for the search giant..

Apart from use in cell-phone gadgets, the spectrum can be used as new TV media. HP tried pushing a digital version of TV, with access to movies through it’s website directly to the TV, but the system is closed to HP and is not innovative. The spectrum could mean new type of on-demand TV media and direct competition to broadcastindustry.