(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/jhorrocks)
The UK communications regulator Ofcom has announced that ‘white space’ spectrum in the television frequency band will be made available for industry use. This move follows a series of successful trials reported last year and marks a significant step toward broader practical deployment of the technology.
Trials have already explored several promising applications: providing internet access to ships and boats around the Orkney Islands, streaming video wirelessly of animals at ZSL London Zoo, deploying machine-to-machine (M2M) networks for flood defence in Oxfordshire, and offering Wi-Fi-like services at the University of Strathclyde.
Louise Hartley, coordinator of ZSL’s Whitespaces for Wildlife project, said the prototype systems at ZSL London Zoo have demonstrated the ability to transmit high-definition video over long distances. She noted this capability highlights the potential for wireless connectivity to enhance conservation work around the world.
Relentless demand for connectivity means innovative ways to optimise spectrum will become a necessity.
One of the main advantages of using TV-band spectrum is its favorable propagation characteristics: signals travel further and penetrate buildings more effectively than many other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or typical Wi‑Fi. By opening up white space spectrum, Ofcom is creating the conditions for industry to develop new services while managing the risk of interference with existing users.
Enabling white space use requires devices to consult a database maintained by Ofcom. That database will impose technical constraints based on device location and operating times, specifying which frequencies and power levels are permitted to avoid harmful interference with existing terrestrial TV services, wireless microphones and special event broadcasts.
Russell Haworth, CEO of Nominet, commented that the first European specifications for TV white space demonstrate that dynamic spectrum allocation works. He added that, given the ongoing surge in demand for connectivity, innovative approaches to optimise spectrum will be essential.
Because of the potential for disruption to current broadcast services, Ofcom is taking precautions to protect digital terrestrial television and associated devices. Despite these safeguards, the regulator expects that commercial applications could become available by the end of the year.
London Zoo are already demonstrating that they can transmit high-definition video over long distances
The announcement follows Ofcom’s earlier decision to allocate spectrum specifically for machine-to-machine communications, a first in Europe. This move supports the UK’s ambitions to be a leader in developing the Internet of Things, where new wireless technologies will be required for widespread deployment.
Steve Unger, Acting Chief Executive of Ofcom, said the decision will help the UK play a leading role in the development of innovative wireless technologies and represents an important step in evolving the country’s wireless infrastructure efficiently.
We will continue to report on developments and commercial services that emerge as a result of Ofcom’s decision to make white space spectrum available.
What do you think of Ofcom’s decision to permit white space usage? Share your view in the comments.
To learn more about the Internet of Things, consider attending industry events focused on IoT and wireless technology in the UK.