Marketwatch posted an article detailing what is turning out to be a complex battle for wireless spectrum between carriers such as T-Mobile and Sprint, and traditional tech vendors like Microsoft and Google who are beginning to make inroads in the cellular wireless industry.

It breaks down like this: Google, Philips, Intel and others have pressed the FCC to "allow mobile devices to connect wirelessly to the Internet using the white spaces, even if the provider of the device doesn't own, or license, the spectrum," the article said. The companies say such unlicensed use of the white spaces will "enable more widespread and affordable Internet connections."

But in a letter filed with the FCC Thursday, "Sprint and T-Mobile, both owners of significant swaths of licensed spectrum, argue that only licensed use of white spaces should be permitted. Ideally, they say, it should also be used for more affordable data transfer, or 'backhaul,' required for mobile networks such as those they operate."

As you can imagine, the carriers don't want to let go of any spectrum — regardless of its kind — that would enable other vendors to step in and compete.

Sprint, T-Mobile square off against techs on 'white spaces' [MarketWatch]