Google may have a lot of political power, but it unusual to see it being used openly. Now, however, the corporation is currently waging a very public campaign, and appealing for help from you, the public.
The aim of the fight is to to fight to free the "white space" between US terrestrial TV channels for long-range, high-speed wireless broadband.
A campaign website was launched in August to swing public opinion in favour of the idea, and to provide a place for people to give it their backing. As well as a petition, the site helps people create videos explaining why they like the idea.
Google is open about the fact it stands to make money from free white space. But you are reminded that consumers stand to benefit too - for example, from phones and other portable gadgets empowered with fast, always-on connections.
Of course, Google wouldn't be campaigning if there wasn't opposition to the idea. There are fears that annexing the white space will cause problems for TV channels, as well as existing users of white-space using gadgets, like wireless microphones. New Scientist took an in depth look at the issue in January.
The graphic below, from that article, illustrates the worries of TV broadcasters.
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