Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, says the country is poised to be the first in Europe to deploy at least one new wireless technology emerging from ongoing “White Space” trials with partners including Google, Microsoft, Sky, CloudNet and others.
“White Space” refers to gaps in the radio spectrum between frequency bands that can be repurposed to test and run new wireless applications. Ofcom says these experiments could deliver practical benefits for consumers and businesses. Current trials are exploring uses such as wireless video streaming, machine-to-machine networks, rural internet access, and Wi-Fi–like services operating in different parts of the spectrum.
Wireless video streaming
Google and ZSL London Zoo have teamed up with equipment specialists MediaTek and 6Harmonics to trial a White Space network designed for TV-style streaming. The system can stream live video of the zoo’s animals to YouTube and may also be used to support conservation work—helping monitor and protect endangered animals in remote locations.
Louise Hartley, project coordinator for ZSL’s Whitespaces for Wildlife initiative, explains that prototype systems at ZSL London Zoo are already transmitting high-definition video across long distances, demonstrating the potential of wireless connectivity to transform conservation efforts worldwide.
Machine-to-machine networks
As more devices connect to the internet, innovators are using sensor networks to tackle real-world problems. One example involves Love Hz and Nominet partnering with the citizen-built Oxford Flood Network to deliver early flood warnings.
Rising tide and river levels present serious risks for some rural communities. The Oxford Flood Network monitors water levels in real time and transmits that data over White Space channels using Adaptrum devices, giving residents and authorities timely updates.
Adam Leach, Director of Research and Development at Nominet, notes that emerging technologies such as TV White Space can provide wireless connectivity across long distances to address persistent challenges like flooding. The sensors feed live water-level data to the internet, helping create an up-to-date picture of affected areas.
Ben Ward, Director of Love Hz, highlights that the Internet of Things is not a distant concept but a present reality: the Oxford Flood Network demonstrates how people are using advanced technology to solve tangible problems in their communities.
Internet access for rural communities
White Space technology is also being trialed to serve remote maritime communities. CloudNet IT Solutions, Fairspectrum and Carlson Wireless Technologies are using White Space to provide internet connectivity and communications to ferries serving the Orkney Islands and the Pentland Firth—areas that previously lacked reliable wireless broadband.
Meanwhile, Microsoft, Neul and 6Harmonics are working with Click4Internet on the Isle of Wight to explore how boats can maintain connectivity while at sea, supporting crew operations and passenger services.
Wi-Fi–like services
Microsoft and 6Harmonics have a second initiative—this time in collaboration with MediaTek, Spectrum Bridge and Sky—supporting the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for White Space Communications. Their trials are investigating how new approaches, including triple-band Wi-Fi operating alongside White Space channels, can boost indoor and outdoor urban coverage and support “smart city” functions.
If successful, these trials could pave the way for broader wireless innovation and help other connectivity initiatives. Ofcom’s confidence that the UK will lead in deploying new wireless technology appears increasingly well founded.
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