Ofcom OKs ‘TV white space’ wireless
February 12, 2015
Ofcom has given the green light for industry to harness the benefits of an ‘white space’ wireless technology, following a series of successful industry trials.
Industry is already testing a range of uses for this technology, such as Internet access for ships and boats in the Orkney Islands, wireless video streaming of animals at ZSL London Zoo, new ‘machine-to-machine’ networks for flood defence in Oxfordshire and Wi-Fi-like services at the University of Strathclyde.
White space spectrum in the TV frequency band is appealing for industry because it can travel longer distances and more easily through walls than the bands mainly used by other wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Ofcom is now putting in place the foundations for industry to use TV white spaces. A key part of this work has been to allow these airwaves to be shared, while managing the risk of interference for current users.
To avoid interference, databases will communicate with these devices to give them technical constraints they must operate within. These databases identify locations, frequencies and times where white space devices will not affect existing users and will apply rules, set by Ofcom, which put limits on the power levels they can operate at.
These frequencies are currently used for digital terrestrial TV, and on a sharing basis with wireless microphones used for programme making and special events (PMSE), among other services.
Based on the trials and stakeholder feedback, there is considerable interest from industry in developing this technology. Ofcom believes commercial applications for this white space technology could emerge by the end of the year.
Ofcom is exploring how the white space in other spectrum bands could be used for similar innovation in the future.
Ofcom is also supporting other forms of wireless innovation and has already released spectrum which can be used for machine-to-machine networks.
The UK is among the first countries in Europe to provide spectrum specifically for this technology, which will form a major part of what is becoming known as the Internet of Things, networks of devices communicating with each other online.
Steve Unger, Ofcom Acting Chief Executive said: “This decision helps ensure the UK takes a leading role in the development of innovative new wireless technology. It is also an important step in helping the UK’s wireless infrastructure evolve effectively and efficiently.”
Philip Marnick, Ofcom Spectrum Group Director added: “Ofcom is laying the foundations for industry to use database controlled spectrum sharing to deliver innovative new services to benefit consumers and businesses.
“Spectrum is an important but limited resource, which is why we’re exploring new ways of unlocking its potential, while balancing the needs of different users.”