Nov. 4 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. regulators agreed to free up unused television airwaves for wireless Internet access, handing a victory to Google Inc. and rejecting claims by broadcasters that the plan would disrupt TV signals.

The proposal, approved 5-0 today by the Federal Communications Commission, would let unlicensed devices use the vacant channels, known as white spaces, if they come equipped with anti-interference technology. Mobile-phone makers such as Motorola Inc. would have to obtain FCC certification for each white-space product before putting it on the market.

``We've been very cautious in our approach,'' FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said. The plan will promote wireless innovation while requiring safeguards to protect broadcasters from interference, he said.

Google and Microsoft Corp. say the plan would expand Americans' Internet access, especially in rural areas. White- space devices will tap into free, wireless Web access, while providing a wider range of coverage than today's Wi-Fi technology. Google co-founder Larry Page has likened the white spaces to ``Wi-Fi on steroids.''

Microsoft Chief Strategy Officer Craig Mundie said last week that if the FCC approved Martin's plan, white-space devices might be available in 12 to 18 months. Microsoft would make software for the products, he said in an interview.

Field Tests

Prototype anti-interference technology submitted by Motorola, Royal Philips Electronics NV and Adaptrum Inc. worked as intended during months of laboratory and field tests, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology said in an Oct. 15 report. The technology, if built into white-space devices, could prevent harm to TV signals, according to the report.

``The FCC decided to put science over politics,'' Google's Page said on the Mountain View, California-based company's blog. ``For years the broadcasting lobby and others have tried to spread fear and confusion about this technology, rather than allow the FCC's engineers to simply do their work.''

Broadcasters, including CBS Corp. and Walt Disney Co.'s ABC, said the report contradicted data collected during the FCC tests, which were open to the public. They had urged the commission to delay the vote by at least two months so people could comment on the engineers' findings. The plan could disrupt TV signals for millions of viewers, broadcasters say.

The new devices will cause interference for over-the-air and cable-television viewers, David Donovan, president of the Association for Maximum Service Television, a broadcasters' trade group, said in a statement after the vote.

Reception in Peril?

``The commission chose a path that imperils America's television reception in order to satisfy the `free' spectrum demands of Google and Microsoft,'' Donovan said.

Wireless microphone manufacturers and users say the plan also threatens to disrupt their audio equipment. More than 100 recording artists, including Miley Cyrus and Clay Aiken, asked the FCC last week to set aside at least eight vacant channels in each market for wireless microphones.

Martin said the plan takes steps to protect wireless microphones, particularly those used by large venues such as sports arenas and Broadway theaters.

Google gained $20.45 to $366.94 at 4 p.m. in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The shares have declined 47 percent this year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Molly Peterson in Washington at mpeterson9@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 4, 2008 18:33 EST