Google is pressing the US government to allow the unlicensed frequencies of TV “white space” to be used for wi-fi. The Internet giant has written an open letter to regulators saying the US spectrum was a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

“The vast majority of viable spectrum in this country simply goes unused, or else is grossly under-utilised,” wrote Google’s Richard Whitt in the letter. “Unlike other natural resources, there is no benefit to allowing this spectrum to lie fallow.” Google has said the white space could be used to bring “ubiquitous wireless broadband access to all Americans”. In the past TV broadcasters have opposed the use of white space, fearing it would cause interference with television programming.

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