Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, has announced plans for an industry-led pilot test of ‘white space’ technology later this year. The technology, which uses gaps between frequencies reserved for TV broadcasting known as ‘white space’ to transmit and receive wireless signals, could help alleviate concerns over the rapidly shrinking amount of available spectrum by providing additional avenues for information transmission.
According to Ofcom, the pilot “will test the inter-operation of white spaces devices, white space databases and the processes to [prevent] against causing any undue interference to current spectrum users.” All members of industry are invited to apply to take part in the pilot. The locations for the trial will be chosen once the trial participants have been selected.
Earlier this week, Ofcom granted network supplier MLL Telecom a one-day temporary license to provide Internet access for visitors at the Electromagnetic Wave conference in London using an experimental pop-up white space network. MLL Telecom explored different technical applications during the trial, including small cell backhaul, measurement of signal strength of Wi-Fi and temperature and water sensors.
“The experience will allow us to further understand the potential of white space and harness it to service the Internet of Things and Smart Cities, as well as its use for rural broadband,” Ben Ward, network design engineer at MLL Telecom, said in the days leading up to the conference.
Other companies are also examining potential uses and applications for white space technology. In February, researchers from Microsoft Corporation developed a set of protocols that could be used to design wireless products capable of accessing unused analog TV spectrum. Google is also testing the feasibility of offering wireless broadband over a white space network as part of a six-month trial in South Africa.
