Gates takes the pulpit

Speaking at the Northern Virginia technology group, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates urged US communications regulators to avail more vacant TV airwaves to wireless services such as broadband internet access.

Gates said the "white space" spectrum between analog broadcast channels could be used to expand wireless broadband access through wi-fi, reports Reuters.

Microsoft is part of a group of companies lobbying the FCC to allow unlicensed use of spectrum white space. Other members include Google, Dell, HP and Intel.

The idea is opposed by US broadcasters and makers of wireless microphones, who say the devices would cause interference.

The FCC is studying a proposal that would create two categories of airwave users: one for low-power, personal, portable devices like wi-fi; and a second group for fixed commercial operations.

Appearing with Gates was Microsoft's Craig Mundie, who said a shortage of spectrum could hurt US competitiveness. Freeing white space activity was a "last hope" for more spectrum, he said.