For the first time in the U.S., “white spaces” are being used to wirelessly deliver high-speed Internet connectivity (pdf). Microsoft, Dell, and Spectrum Bridge helped design and deploy a wireless TV white spaces network to distribute broadband Internet connectivity in Claudville, Virginia, under an experimental license granted by the FCC.
White spaces are unused television frequencies. They have been freed up by the shift to digital television which allows megawatt television stations to broadcast on adjacent channels without interference. Analog television required broadcasters to leave a blank televison channel to prevent cross channel interference.
Google supports the white space concept, as does Microsoft, Dell, and other consumer electronics companies. Broadcasters have consistantly opposed “white space” legislation, claiming they may cause harmful interference to television reception.
Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), who chairs the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet, helped to arrange the Claudville trial, using the empty slots in the TV band. In testimony before Congress this April (pdf), county supervisor Jonathan Large said his region’s lack of broadband Internet connectivity was causing economic and educational hardship.
Dell, Microsoft and the TDF Foundation contributed computer systems and software applications to the local school, as well as the town’s new computer center. The TV white spaces network is providing the “middle mile” link between the wired backhaul and the WiFi hot spot network. They are deployed in Claudville’s business area as well as the school. The same network is also providing last mile broadband connectivity directly to end users.
“Our students and teachers did not have access to computers or broadband connectivity until now,” said Jerry Whitlow, administrator of Trinity Christian School. “The advantages these new technologies bring to our classrooms will be numerous, including expanded research and information resources, greater understanding of important world events and access to new distance learning opportunities.”
The Spectrum Bridge Web site, ShowMyWhiteSpace.com, offers a free search tool that lists all open white spaces channels at any address in the U.S. Their database system helps prevent interference by mapping broadcast television stations and assigns non-interfering frequencies to white spaces devices. It can adapt in real time to new TV broadcasts, as well as to other protected TV band users operating in the area.
A November 2008 FCC decision opened up white spaces in the broadcast televison band, from 512MHz to 698MHz. TV white spaces can cover larger areas areas than WiFi, although their power is limted to 1 watt (100mW mobile). Devices “listen” before they “talk” and utilize maps of nearby licensed transmitters to prevent interference. It potential interference is detected, they switch to another channel.
The Wireless Innovation Alliance (formerly White Spaces Coalition) created prototypes for testing by the FCC and acted as a lobby organization. They expect speeds of 80 Mbps and above, and 400 to 800 Mbps for white space short-range networking. The group included Microsoft, Google, Dell, HP, Intel, Philips, Earthlink, and Samsung.
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