Microsoft (MSFT) joins fight for airwaves

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) is lending its 800-pound fist to other tech companies this week as it tries to convince federal regulators and FCC officials that the soon to be vacated radio waves in the 700-MHz spectrum can be used by any wireless service without causing interference on adjacent radio frequencies.

U.S. television stations are required by 2009 to change their broadcasts to an all-digital format, switching from the 60-year-old analog television format, which will free up valuable radio waves. Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) and others are salivating over that capacity, as they would like to get a chance to reach consumers directly with wireless services outside the reach of tightly controlled U.S. wireless operators like AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ).

Microsoft is challenging the FCC's recent admission that unregulated (and prototype) wireless internet devices operating in the 700-MHz radio band caused problems (like static, which is not possible with digital broadcasts) with radio services in frequency bands that were near the 700-MHz band.

Broadcasters near this existing 700-MHz band have expressed concern about interference from unregulated wireless devices that would occupy those frequencies in a few years. But according to many consumer advocates, allowing unregulated access to that band would create competition and free many consumers from the shackles of servitude to a handful of wireless telecom companies.