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Both Google and Microsoft are badgering the government to be allowed to use the “white space” parts of our radio spectrum that could see them offer free, nationwide Wi-Fi connectivity. Would free, always-on Wi-Fi across the whole country get you to switch to Windows Phone?
Tech companies have been experimenting with white space options for years, trying to find the best way to use and fill the buffering gaps that exist between the used parts of the radio spectrum. According to the Telegraph, Google and MS are both showing “extreme interest” in buying up these chunks of spectrum, which they’d then use to offer mobile broadband to their users. That would be quite an explosive bullet point to put on the spec sheet of a future Lumia or Nexus.
Ofcom has already announced plans to allow the UK’s white space to be used by next year, the big question remains as to who’s going to get it and what it’ll be used for. And if Apple’s already patented the idea of doing it or not. [Forbes]
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“Would free, always-on Wi-Fi across the whole country get you to switch to Windows Phone?”
Hmm, maybe…
Why would we need to switch to Windows Phone? Is it not Google and Microsoft, hence Android & Windows Phone?
Did the poor writing confuse you as to whether it was a joint bid or coincidence that two US companies chose now?
I always said this is what the mobile manufacturers should focus on next. Forget carriers. They have enough cash to go it alone.
They need to just go, away. Period.
No more faffing around with unlocking phones would put half of Brixton high street out of business though
http://goo.gl/ZBHnG
I can’t imagine Ofcom would allow one or two companies to buy up a section of the spectrum. It would need to be divided into as many sustainable chunks as warranted, so that there is enough market competition, and it would need to be auctioned, so it’s a fair and equal fight. Microsoft/Google can’t just come along and take it off the shelf, unless they’re the only one’s interested.
Access to nationwide free wifi would be a big big plus to any product though. No one likes data limits on their phones and the 4G launch was such a mess that I’d say most consumers will be wary of adoption for quite some time. Whereas Wifi is compatible and recognisable to the average consumer and their arsenal of gadgets.
Wouldn’t this be a big problem for the competition commission?
This would be a problem for the greedy douche bags that insist on capping data.
Free Wifi means big losses for other companies providing 3G/4G, Broadband and Fibre Optics. Why would anyone pay to use those, if they can get it for free.
Companies will take a hit, Economy will shrink and jobs will be lost.
People will still need mobile phones, the coverage from wifi will not be that good. This move will force the current mobile providers to stop ripping off people with ridiculous data charges,EE a big example but not the only one, and increase coverage areas and quality of service. We win.
Aaaand lost margins for Apple when they can’t justify charging such silly amounts more for a 3G/LTE radio in their products any more.
this would mean that Microsoft wouldn’t need to make a mobile phone, as they have Skype integrated into Windows 8 every product running it would be a mobile phone.
it wouldnt make me switch to win phone, i dont think even an angry chuck norris could do that, but if google are involved it may reach android too