The rules governing whitespace broadband will be decided by the Federal Communications Commission on September 23rd. While the FCC makes this decision, the big players in the technology world are tripping over themselves as they begin large-scale trials of this new form of wireless broadband.
Whitespace is the term given to the unused spectrum that exists between television channels. This narrow but valuable spectrum has been the subject of debate for over two years. Large technology companies like Google and Microsoft see this unused spectrum as a goldmine that can be used to deliver wireless broadband. Because it would send at the same frequency as TV signals, this whitespace can easily penetrate buildings and travel much further than traditional WiFi technology.
The National Association of Broadcasters has opposed the usage of the spectrum for fear that it may interfere with television reception. They also point out that some medical equipment and wireless microphones already use a slice of this unused spectrum; opening it up for broader usage could impact these smaller but important industries.
While the FCC tries to strike a balance between opening up this spectrum to new uses while protecting the interests of the those who use it, the major players in the technology world are pushing forward with wide-scale trials. Microsoft has deployed whitespace-based internet access across it Redmond campus and on some of its shuttle buses.
Google is also testing white space connectivity in Hocking Valley Community Hospital in Logan, Ohio where it is being used on first-responder vehicles and inside the hospital. Not just for commercial broadband usage, whitespace is being used to check water quality in North Carolina where wireless camera signals are sent over the whitespace spectrum from a remote tidal creek to a researcher’s lab. Hewlett-Packard, Motorola, T-Mobile and Sprint are also making plans for devices and real-world application of this whitespace technology.
It will be interesting to watch this wireless technology develop in light of the FCC’s rules; analysts project it could develop into a multi-billion dollar industry.