The Wireless Innovation Alliance continues to push hard for the use of unlicensed “white space” spectrum to deliver inexpensive Internet services. Google has been particularly vocal in emphasizing the importance of beginning to use this spectrum. But a major hang-up has been the fact that prototypes of white space devices tested by the FCC have failed more than once.

The failed devices came from Microsoft but one of the contributing designers on the project has recently admitted that his lack of engineering skills could’ve been the problem. The issue doesn’t appear to be the idea but rather the development of the hardware and therefore it’s feasible that other companies could construct white space devices that would work appropriately.

In fact, Microsoft is really optimistic about the other devices that the FCC has tested and believes that it’s only a matter of time before FCC approval is given on this issue. The FCC is indeed moving forward with additional testing in the field. However, they are hesitant to make any quick decisions due not only to the previous failures of the devices but also to controversy coming from the National Association of Broadcasters and the wireless carriers who would find this to be a competitive threat.