With the election in full swing, and lobbying playing a very key role in both campaigns, it’s interesting that lobbyists are also hating on white spaces. What are White Spaces? Essentially, they are the empty frequencies between the public airwaves currently used to send TV channels.

This article on Huffington Post says that DC lobbyists are trying to stop anyone from using those white spaces to deliver Internet connectivity to millions. New technology can now open up the unused portions of this spectrum to deliver high-speed Internet services. However, the National Association of Broadcasters and cell phone carriers “have been blitzing Washington with misinformation to prevent white spaces from being used to benefit millions of people” according to the article.

Too many Americans have been left on the wrong side of the digital divide — sidelined in a nation that increasingly demands high-speed Internet access to get things done, keep up in school and find out what’s happening in the world. The answer to this problem is right in front of us.

This week tens of thousands of people have signed a letter urging Congress and the FCC to skewer the industry spin and serve the public by opening white spaces to unlicensed, high speed Internet services.

Today, September 24th, has been designated “White Spaces Day” by members of the Wireless Innovation Alliance in order to urge Congress and the FCC to push back against these lobbyist.  The U.S. already has a very low broadband penetration rate, compared to other country’s. (This story says we are number 16 in the world.) So closing the digital divide seems like a compelling story.

If you’re a fan of Google, perhaps they can convince you. The company has started a “Free the Airwaves” campaign, to help spread the word, and where you can sign a petition.